Gaming Machine Arranging Symbols Based on Rearragned Symbols and Playing Method Thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine comprises: a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independently from each other, each of which terminals includes a terminal display having a matrix of arrangement areas, and each of which terminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas; and a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols. In the gaming machine are performed the following steps of: combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with another symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangement and the other symbol arrangement; determining whether to award a payout according to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display; and when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining a distribution of the determined payout for each of the gaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from the following provisionalapplication No. 61/037,412 filed on Mar. 18, 2008; No. 61/034,427 filedon Mar. 6, 2008; No. 61/038,583, filed on Mar. 21, 2008; No. 61/038,603,filed on Mar. 21, 2008; No. 61/037,135 filed on Mar. 17, 2008; No.61/037,141, filed on Mar. 17, 2008, the entire disclosure of which areherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a playing methodthereof.

2. Description of Related Art

Among existing gaming machines, there is a gaming machine including: twoor more gaming terminals; terminal controllers respectively provided tothe gaming terminal, each of which controllers causes associated one ofthe gaming terminals to run a game; a center controller for controllingall the terminal controllers. This type of gaming machine is disclosedin specifications of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,709,or U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,013. A terminal controller of a gaming terminalruns a game and awards a payout based on the result of the gameindependently from another terminal controller of another gamingterminal. The center controller provides various jackpots such asprogressive jackpots, mystery jackpots, or the like.

An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine providing anentertainment characteristic which is not brought about by the abovementioned prior art, and a playing method thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof each involving two or more gaming terminals toplay a single game, which thereby realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic that gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” toparticipating players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming machine of the present invention, comprises: a plurality ofgaming terminals capable of running a game independently from eachother, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal display having amatrix of arrangement areas and (ii) a payout awarding device forawarding a player a payout related to the game, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(a1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(a2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(a3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(a4) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(a5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining adistribution of the payout for each of the gaming terminals, based on apredetermined condition; and

(a6) causing the payout awarding device of each of the gaming terminalsto award a payout based on the determined distribution.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. On the shared display are rearranged symbolsidentical to those in one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal incombination with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, whether to award a payout is determined according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. When the payout isdetermined to be awarded, a distribution of the payout for each of thegaming terminals is determined based on a predetermined condition. Thepayout awarding device of each of the gaming terminals awards a payoutbased on the determined distribution. This payout awarded according tothe relation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizesa new entertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Additionally, determining a distribution ofthe payout for each of the gaming terminals realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation of how muchdistribution is determined for the player. Further, the above structurecreates a single game involving a plurality of gaming terminals byrearranging, on the shared display, the symbols identical to those inthe symbol arrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination withthe symbols identical to those in the other symbol arrangement of theother gaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, andthe other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” to participating players.

The present invention is a gaming machine including: a plurality ofgaming terminals capable of running a game independently from eachother, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal display having amatrix of arrangement areas and (ii) a payout awarding device forawarding a player a payout related to the game, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(b1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(b2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(b3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(b4) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(b5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining adistribution of the payout for each of the gaming terminals, based oncontribution rates of the combined symbol arrangements of the symbols;and

(b6) causing the payout awarding device of each of the gaming terminalsto award a payout based on the determined distribution.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. On the shared display are rearranged symbolsidentical to those in one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal incombination with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, whether to award a payout is determined according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. When the payout isdetermined to be awarded, a distribution of the payout for each of thegaming terminals is determined based on contribution rates of thecombined symbol arrangements of the symbols. The payout awarding deviceof each of the gaming terminals awards a payout based on the determineddistribution. This payout awarded according to the relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for another payout inaddition to the one awarded as a result of the game run in the gamingterminal. Additionally, a distribution of the payout for each of thegaming terminals is determined based on contribution rates of thecombined symbol arrangements of the symbols. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic. Further, the above structure creates asingle game involving a plurality of gaming terminals by rearranging, onthe shared display, the symbols identical to those in the symbolarrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination with the symbolsidentical to those in the other symbol arrangement of the other gamingterminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbolsarranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the othersymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe other gaming terminal. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” toparticipating players.

The present invention is a gaming machine, including: a plurality ofgaming terminals capable of running a game independently from eachother, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal display having amatrix of arrangement areas and (ii) a payout awarding device forawarding a player a payout related to the game, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(c1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(c2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(c3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(c4) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(c5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, displaying an effectindicating that the payout is awarded on the shared display;

(c6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining adistribution of the payout for each of the gaming terminals, based on atleast two different amounts of distribution; and

(c7) causing the payout awarding device of each of the gaming terminalsto award a payout based on the determined distribution.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. On the shared display are rearranged symbolsidentical to those in one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal incombination with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, whether to award a payout is determined according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. When the payout isdetermined to be awarded, a distribution of the payout for each of thegaming terminals is determined based on at least two different amountsof distribution. The payout awarding device of each of the gamingterminals awards a payout based on the determined distribution. Thispayout awarded according to the relation among the symbols rearranged onthe shared display realizes a new entertainment characteristic whichraises player's expectation for another payout in addition to the oneawarded as a result of the game run in the gaming terminal.Additionally, different amounts of distribution are given to the gamingterminals by determining each of the distributions of the payout basedon at least two different amounts of distribution. Therefore, a newentertainment characteristic is realized. Further, the above structurecreates a single game involving a plurality of gaming terminals byrearranging, on the shared display, the symbols identical to those inthe symbol arrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination withthe symbols identical to those in the other symbol arrangement of theother gaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, andthe other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” to participating players.

The present invention is a gaming machine, including: a plurality ofgaming terminals including (i)a terminal display having a matrix ofarrangement areas, (ii)a payout awarding device for awarding a player apayout related to the game, and (iii) a terminal controller, and each ofwhich terminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangementareas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a center controller,

wherein the terminal controller performs the steps of:

(d1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas at a predeterminedtiming;

(d2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsarranged in the arrangement areas;

(d3) when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting to the centercontroller symbols arranged in the arrangement areas and the arrangementof the symbols; and

(d4) causing the payout awarding device to award a payout based on aninstruction from the center controller, and wherein the centercontroller is programmed to perform the steps of:

(e1) when a predetermined condition is met, receiving from each of theterminal controllers symbols and the arrangement of the symbols,

(e2) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(e3) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(e4) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining adistribution of the payout for each of the gaming terminals, based on apredetermined condition; and

(e5) instructing the terminal controller of each of the gaming terminalsto award a payout based on the determined distribution.

In the above structure, symbols are rearranged in the arrangement areason the terminal display of the gaming terminal at a predeterminedtiming. Then, a payout is awarded according to a relation among thesymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas. When a predeterminedcondition is met, symbols identical to those in one symbol arrangementof one gaming terminal are rearranged on the shared display incombination with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, whether to award a payout is determined according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. When the payout isdetermined to be awarded, a distribution of the payout for each of thegaming terminals is determined based on a predetermined condition. Thepayout awarding device of each of the gaming terminals awards a payoutbased on the determined distribution. This payout awarded according tothe relation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizesa new entertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Additionally, determining a distribution ofthe payout for each of the gaming terminals realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation of how muchdistribution is determined for the player. Further, the above structurecreates a single game involving a plurality of gaming terminals byrearranging, on the shared display, the symbols identical to those inthe symbol arrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination withthe symbols identical to those in the other symbol arrangement of theother gaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, andthe other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” to participating players.

The present invention is a playing method of a gaming machine, in whicha plurality of symbols are arranged in a matrix of arrangement areas onterminal displays of a plurality of gaming terminals,

the method comprising the steps of:

(f1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(f2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(f3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on a shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(f4) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(f5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining adistribution of the payout for each of the gaming terminals, based on apredetermined condition; and

(f6) causing the payout awarding device of each of the gaming terminalsto award a payout based on the determined distribution.

In the above structure, this payout awarded according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Additionally, determining a distribution ofthe payout for each of the gaming terminals realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation of how muchdistribution is determined for the player. Further, the above structurecreates a single game involving a plurality of gaming terminals byrearranging, on the shared display, the symbols identical to those inthe symbol arrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination withthe symbols identical to those in the other symbol arrangement of theother gaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, andthe other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” to participating players.

A gaming machine of the present invention, comprises:

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyfrom each other, each of which terminals includes (i)a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas and (ii)a payout awarding devicefor awarding a player a payout related to the game, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols;

a conveying device for supporting the shared display and transferringthe shared display to positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals; and

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(g1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(g2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(g3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(g4) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(g5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, causing the conveyingdevice to transfer the shared display between positions corresponding tothe respective gaming terminals;

(g6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining one of thegaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition;

(g7) causing the conveying device to transfer the shared display to theposition corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal;

(g8) displaying an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminalon the shared display; and

(g9) causing the payout awarding device of the determined one gamingterminal to award the payout.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. On the shared display are rearranged symbolsidentical to those in one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal incombination with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, whether to award a payout is determined according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. When the payout isdetermined to be awarded, the shared display is transferred betweenpositions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals. When thepayout is determined to be awarded, one of the gaming terminals isdetermined based on a predetermined condition. The shared display istransferred to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal. On the shared display is displayed an effect indicating thedetermined one gaming terminal. The payout awarding device of thedetermined one gaming terminal awards the payout. This payout awardedthrough the only one gaming terminal according to the relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for another payoutawarded through the only one gaming terminal in addition to the oneawarded as a result of the game run in the gaming terminal. Further,when the payout is determined to be awarded, the shared display istransferred between positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals and subsequently transferred to the position corresponding tothe determined one gaming terminal for awarding the payout. Then, on theshared display is displayed an effect indicating the determined onegaming terminal. This allows players to visually recognize transfers ofthe shared display and therefore realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for which gamingterminal the payout is awarded through. Further, a single game iscreated with the use of a plurality of gaming terminals by rearranging,on the shared display, the symbols identical to those in the symbolarrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination with the symbolsidentical to those in the other symbol arrangement of the other gamingterminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbolsarranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the othersymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe other gaming terminal. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” toparticipating players.

The present invention is a gaming machine, including:

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyfrom each other, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas and (ii) a payout awarding devicefor awarding a player a payout related to the game, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a conveying device for supporting the shared display and transferringthe shared display to positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals;

a position sensor for detecting that the shared display has arrived at aposition corresponding to a gaming terminal; and

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(h1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(h2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(h3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(h4) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(h5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, causing the conveyingdevice to transfer the shared display between positions corresponding tothe respective gaming terminals;

(h6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining one of thegaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition;

(h7) causing the conveying device to transfer the shared display to theposition corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal;

(h8) after detecting that the shared display has arrived at the positioncorresponding to the determined one gaming terminal, displaying aneffect indicating the determined one gaming terminal on the shareddisplay; and

(h9) causing the payout awarding device of the determined one gamingterminal to award the payout.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. On the shared display are rearranged symbolsidentical to those in one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal incombination with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, whether to award a payout is determined according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. When the payout isdetermined to be awarded, the shared display is transferred betweenpositions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals. When thepayout is determined to be awarded, one of the gaming terminals isdetermined based on a predetermined condition. The shared display istransferred to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal. After detecting that the shared display has arrived at theposition corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal, on theshared display is displayed an effect indicating the determined onegaming terminal. The payout awarding device of the determined one gamingterminal awards the payout. This payout awarded through the only onegaming terminal according to the relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display realizes a new entertainment characteristic whichraises player's expectation for another payout awarded through the onlyone gaming terminal in addition to the one awarded as a result of thegame run in the gaming terminal. Further, when the payout is determinedto be awarded, the shared display is transferred between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals and subsequentlytransferred to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal for awarding the payout. Then, on the shared display isdisplayed an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminal. Thisallows players to visually recognize transfers of the shared display andtherefore realizes a new entertainment characteristic which raisesplayer's expectation for which gaming terminal the payout is awardedthrough. Further, an effect indicating the determined one gamingterminal is displayed after the shared display has arrived at theposition corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal. Thisprevents a loss in expectation for a payout, which is caused bytransferring the shared display while displaying thereon the effect.Therefore, a new entertainment characteristic is realized. Further, asingle game is created with the use of a plurality of gaming terminalsby rearranging, on the shared display, the symbols identical to those inthe symbol arrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination withthe symbols identical to those in the other symbol arrangement of theother gaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, andthe other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” to participating players.

The present invention is a gaming machine according to the aboveinvention, wherein

the center controller is programmed to perform the step of

(i6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining one of thegaming terminals, based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements of the symbols, in place of (g6).

In the above structure, when the payout is determined to be awarded, oneof the gaming terminals is determined based on contribution rates of thecombined symbol arrangements of the symbols. Thus, one of the gamingterminals for awarding the payout is determined based on contributionrates of the combined symbol arrangements of the symbols. This realizesa new entertainment characteristic.

The present invention is a gaming machine according to the aboveinvention, wherein

the center controller is programmed to perform the step of

(j6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining one of thegaming terminals, based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements of the symbols, in place of (h6).

In the above structure, when the payout is determined to be awarded, oneof the gaming terminals is determined based on contribution rates of thecombined symbol arrangements of the symbols. Thus, one of the gamingterminals for awarding the payout is determined based on contributionrates of the combined symbol arrangements of the symbols. This realizesa new entertainment characteristic.

The present invention is a gaming machine, including:

a plurality of gaming terminals including (i) a terminal display havinga matrix of arrangement areas, (ii) a payout awarding device forawarding a player a payout related to the game, and (iii) a terminalcontroller, and each of which terminals arranges a plurality of symbolsin the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols anddisplaying thereon an effect related to the game;

a conveying device for supporting the shared display and transferringthe shared display to positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals; and

a center controller, wherein

the terminal controller performs the steps of:

(k1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas at a predeterminedtiming;

(k2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsarranged in the arrangement areas;

(k3) when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting to the centercontroller symbols arranged in the arrangement areas and the arrangementof the symbols; and

(k4) causing the payout awarding device to award a payout based on aninstruction from the center controller, and wherein the centercontroller is programmed to perform the steps of:

-   -   (l1) when a predetermined condition is met, receiving from each        of the terminal controllers symbols and the arrangement of the        symbols;

(l2) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(l3) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(l4) when the payout is determined to be awarded, causing the conveyingdevice to transfer the shared display between positions corresponding tothe respective gaming terminals;

(l5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining one of thegaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition;

(l6) causing the conveying device to transfer the shared display to theposition corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal;

(l7) displaying an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminalon the shared display; and

(l8) instructing the terminal controller of the determined one gamingterminal to award the payout.

In the above structure, symbols are rearranged in the arrangement areason the terminal display of the gaming terminal at a predeterminedtiming. Then, a payout is awarded according to a relation among thesymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas. When a predeterminedcondition is met, symbols identical to those in one symbol arrangementof one gaming terminal are rearranged on the shared display incombination with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, whether to award a payout is determined according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. When the payout isdetermined to be awarded, the shared display is transferred betweenpositions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals. When thepayout is determined to be awarded, one of the gaming terminals isdetermined based on a predetermined condition. The shared display istransferred to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal. On the shared display is displayed an effect indicating thedetermined one gaming terminal. The payout awarding device of thedetermined one gaming terminal awards the payout. This payout awardedthrough the only one gaming terminal according to the relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for another payoutawarded through the only one gaming terminal in addition to the oneawarded as a result of the game run in the gaming terminal. Further,when the payout is determined to be awarded, the shared display istransferred between positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals and subsequently transferred to the position corresponding tothe determined one gaming terminal for awarding the payout. Then, on theshared display is displayed an effect indicating the determined onegaming terminal. This allows players to visually recognize transfers ofthe shared display and therefore realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for which gamingterminal the payout is awarded through. Further, a single game iscreated with the use of a plurality of gaming terminals by rearranging,on the shared display, the symbols identical to those in the symbolarrangement of the one gaming terminal in combination with the symbolsidentical to those in the other symbol arrangement of the other gamingterminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbolsarranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the othersymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe other gaming terminal. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” toparticipating players.

The present invention is a playing method of a gaming machine, in whicha plurality of symbols are arranged in a matrix of arrangement areas onterminal displays of a plurality of gaming terminals,

the method comprising the steps of:

(m1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(m2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(m3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on a shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal;

(m4) determining whether to award a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged on the shared display;

(m5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, transferring theshared display between positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals;

(m6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining one of thegaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition;

(m7) transferring the shared display to the position corresponding tothe determined one gaming terminal;

(m8) displaying an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminalon the shared display; and

(m9) causing the determined one gaming terminal to award the payout.

In the above structure, this payout awarded through the only one gamingterminal according to the relation among the symbols rearranged on theshared display realizes a new entertainment characteristic which raisesplayer's expectation for another payout awarded through the only onegaming terminal in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Further, when the payout is determined to beawarded, the shared display is transferred between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals and subsequentlytransferred to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal for awarding the payout. Then, on the shared display isdisplayed an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminal. Thisallows players to visually recognize transfers of the shared display andtherefore realizes a new entertainment characteristic which raisesplayer's expectation for which gaming terminal the payout is awardedthrough. Further, a single game is created with the use of a pluralityof gaming terminals by rearranging, on the shared display, the symbolsidentical to those in the symbol arrangement of the one gaming terminalin combination with the symbols identical to those in the other symbolarrangement of the other gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of“unity” and “sharing” to participating players.

A gaming machine of the present invention, includes:

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyfrom each other, each of which terminals includes a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas and which arranges a plurality ofsymbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols;

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(n1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(n2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(n3) combining one arrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminal to formone symbol matrix including the symbols of the one arrangement and theother arrangement;

(n4) scrolling the symbols in the symbol matrix, on the shared display;

(n5) rearranging a part of the symbols in the symbol matrix on theshared display; and

(n6) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. Then, one symbol matrix including a pluralityof symbol arrangements is formed by combining one arrangement of symbolsrearranged in arrangement areas of one gaming terminal and anotherarrangement of symbols rearranged in arrangement areas of another gamingterminal. Then, the symbols in the symbol matrix are scrolled on theshared display. The symbols in the symbol matrix are partly rearrangedon the shared display. Then, a payout is awarded according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. This payout awardedaccording to the relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay realizes a new entertainment characteristic which raisesplayer's expectation for another payout in addition to the one awardedas a result of the game run in the gaming terminal. Further, the abovestructure creates a single game by combining one arrangement of symbolsrearranged in arrangement areas of one gaming terminal with anotherarrangement of symbols in the arrangement areas of another gamingterminal to form one symbol matrix including the one arrangement and theother arrangement. This realizes a new entertainment characteristicwhich gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participatingplayers. Further, a payout is awarded based on a part of the symbols inthe symbol matrix formed. This provides a wider variation of payout thanthe variation of payout awarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of aknown art. As such, it is possible to provide a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

The present invention is a gaming machine, including

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyfrom each other, each of which terminals includes a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas and which arranges a plurality ofsymbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols;

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(o1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(o2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(o3) combining, on the row or column basis, one arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of one gaming terminal with anotherarrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of anothergaming terminal to form one symbol matrix including the symbols of theone arrangement and the other arrangement; and

(o4) scrolling the symbol matrix having the plurality of symbols on theshared display;

(o5) rearranging on the shared display some of the symbols in the symbolmatrix, without altering the arrangement of the symbol matrix;

(o6) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. Then, one symbol matrix including a pluralityof symbol arrangements is formed by combining, on the row or columnbasis, one arrangement of symbols rearranged in arrangement areas of onegaming terminal and another arrangement of symbols rearranged inarrangement areas of another gaming terminal. The symbol matrix havingthe plurality of symbols is scrolled on the shared display. Then, someof the symbols in the symbol matrix are rearranged on the shareddisplay, without altering the arrangement of the symbol matrix. Then, apayout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display. This payout awarded according to the relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Further, the above structure creates asingle game by combining one arrangement of symbols rearranged inarrangement areas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement ofsymbols in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminal to form onesymbol matrix including the one arrangement and the other arrangement.This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives thefeelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further, apayout is awarded based on a part of the symbols in the symbol matrixformed. This provides a wider variation of payout than the variation ofpayout awarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of a known art. As such,it is possible to provide a new entertainment characteristic. Further,Then, some of the symbols in the symbol matrix are scrolled andrearranged on the shared display, without altering the arrangement ofthe symbol matrix.. Therefore an arrangement of symbols rearranged inone gaming terminal stand higher chance of recurring on the shareddisplay. Further, the structure improves the player's predictability ofsymbol arrangements on the shared display, and therefore increases theplayer's expectation at a time of scrolling the symbols on the shareddisplay. Thus, it is possible to provide a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

Note that “combining, on the row basis” means to joint one or more rowsin a direction in which rows are aligned (hereinafter, row direction).Note further that “combining, on the column basis” means to joint one ormore columns in a direction in which columns are aligned (hereinafter,column direction).

The present invention is a gaming machine, including:

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyfrom each other, each of which terminals includes a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas and which arranges a plurality ofsymbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols;

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(p1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(p2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(p3) combining one arrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminal to formone symbol matrix including the symbols of the one arrangement and theother arrangement, the positions of the symbols in the other symbolarrangement being different from those of the symbols in the one symbolarrangement; and

(p4) scrolling a row or column of the symbol matrix having the symbolson the shared display;

(p5) rearranging on the shared display some of the symbols in the symbolmatrix so as to conform with a row or column of arrangements in thesymbol matrix; and

(p4) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.Based on the running of the game, symbols are rearranged in the matrixof the arrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal.Then, a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas. One arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of one gaming terminal with anotherarrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of anothergaming terminal are combined to form one symbol matrix including thesymbols of the one arrangement and the other arrangement, the positionsof the symbols in the other symbol arrangement being different fromthose of the symbols in the one symbol arrangement. Then, a row orcolumn of the symbol matrix having the symbols is scrolled on the shareddisplay. Some of the symbols in the symbol matrix are then arranged onthe shared display so as to conform with a row or column of arrangementsin the symbol matrix. Then, a payout is awarded according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. This payout awardedaccording to the relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay realizes a new entertainment characteristic which raisesplayer's expectation for another payout in addition to the one awardedas a result of the game run in the gaming terminal. Further, the abovestructure creates a single game by combining one arrangement of symbolsrearranged in arrangement areas of one gaming terminal with anotherarrangement of symbols in the arrangement areas of another gamingterminal to form one symbol matrix including the one arrangement and theother arrangement. This realizes a new entertainment characteristicwhich gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participatingplayers. Further, a payout is awarded based on a part of the symbols inthe symbol matrix formed. This provides a wider variation of payout thanthe variation of payout awarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of aknown art. As such, it is possible to provide a new entertainmentcharacteristic. Further, since a row or column of the symbol matrix isscrolled on the shared display and some of the symbols in the symbolmatrix are rearranged on the shared display so as to conform with a rowor column of arrangements in the symbol matrix, an arrangement ofsymbols in a gaming terminal may be formed on the shared display. Thisprovides a wider variation of payout than the variation of payoutawarded based on a conventional fixed symbol matrix. As such, it ispossible to provide a new entertainment characteristic.

The present invention is a gaming machine including: plurality of gamingterminals each of which terminals includes a terminal display having amatrix of arrangement areas and which arranges a plurality of symbols inthe arrangement areas, and a plurality of gaming terminals each having aterminal controller;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a center controller,

wherein the terminal controller is programmed to perform the steps of:(q1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas at a predeterminedtiming,

(q2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas,

(q3) when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting to the centercontroller symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas and thearrangement of the symbols,

and wherein the center controller is programmed to perform the steps of:(r1) when a predetermined condition is met, receiving from each of theterminal controllers symbols and the arrangement of the symbols,

(r2) combining one arrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminal to formone symbol matrix including the symbols of the one arrangement and theother arrangement,

(r3) scrolling the symbols in the symbol matrix, on the shared display,

(r4) rearranging a part of the symbols in the symbol matrix on theshared display, and

(r5) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display.

In the above structure, symbols are rearranged in the arrangement areason the terminal display of the gaming terminal at a predeterminedtiming. Then, a payout is awarded according to a relation among thesymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas. When a predeterminedcondition is met, one arrangement of symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas of one gaming terminal is combined with anotherarrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of anothergaming terminal to form one symbol matrix. Then, the symbols in thesymbol matrix are scrolled on the shared display. The symbols in thesymbol matrix are partly rearranged on the shared display. Then, apayout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display. This payout awarded according to the relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Further, the above structure creates onegame involving a plurality of gaming terminals by forming one symbolmatrix including a combination of one arrangement of symbols rearrangedin arrangement areas of one gaming terminal and another arrangement ofsymbols rearranged in arrangement areas of another gaming terminal. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of“unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further, a payout isawarded based on a part of the symbols in the symbol matrix formed. Thisprovides a wider variation of payout than the variation of payoutawarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of a known art. As such, it ispossible to provide a new entertainment characteristic.

A playing method of the present invention is for a gaming machineincluding a plurality of gaming terminals each having a terminaldisplay, in which method a plurality of symbols are arranged in a matrixof arrangement areas in the terminal display of each of the gamingterminals, the method comprising the steps of:

(s1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(s2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(s3) combining one arrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminal to formone symbol matrix including the symbols of the one arrangement and theother arrangement;

(s4) scrolling the symbols in the symbol matrix, on the shared display;and

(s5) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display.

With the above structure, a payout awarded according to the relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition. Further, the above structure creates asingle game by combining one arrangement of symbols rearranged inarrangement areas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement ofsymbols in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminal to form onesymbol matrix including the one arrangement and the other arrangement.This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives thefeelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further, apayout is awarded based on a part of the symbols in the symbol matrixformed. This provides a wider variation of payout than the variation ofpayout awarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of a known art. As such,it is possible to provide a new entertainment characteristic.

A gaming machine of the present invention includes:

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyof each other, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas, (ii) a bet unit which receives aside bet from a player, and (iii) a payout awarding device for awardinga player a payout related to the game, and each of which terminalsarranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(t1) causing the bet unit to receive the side bet;

(t2) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(t3) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(t4) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and(ii) when combining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of aside-bet gaming terminal (hereinafter, side-bet gaming terminal)is givena priority over a symbol arrangement of a gaming terminal havingreceived no side bet; and

(t5) causing the payout awarding device of the side-bet gaming terminalto award a payout according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.The bet unit receives a side bet. Based on the running of the game,symbols are rearranged in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayof the gaming terminal. Then, a payout is awarded according to arelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas. Onesymbol arrangement of one gaming terminal is combined with symbolsidentical to those in another symbol arrangement of another gamingterminal while giving a priority to a symbol arrangement of a side-betgaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbolsarranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the othersymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe other gaming terminal. Then, the combination of symbol arrangementsformed is rearranged on the shared display. A payout is awarded throughthe side-bet gaming terminal, according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display. This payout awarded according to therelation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes anew entertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout awarded through the only one gaming terminal in additionto the one awarded as a result of the game run in the gaming terminal.Further, one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal is combined withsymbols identical to those in another symbol arrangement of anothergaming terminal while giving a priority to a symbol arrangement of aside-bet gaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includesthe symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal,and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. Then, the combination ofsymbol arrangements formed is rearranged on the shared display. Thus,one game is formed with the side-bet gaming terminals. This realizes anew entertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” to participating players. Further, the payout awarding deviceof a side-bet gaming terminal awards a payout. Thus, a player is givenan incentive to place a side bet. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

A gaming machine of the present invention includes:

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyof each other, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas, (ii) a bet unit which receives aside bet from a player, (iii) a payout awarding device for awarding aplayer a payout related to the game, and (iv) an illumination devicewhich emits light, and each of which terminals arranges a plurality ofsymbols in the arrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and

a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:

(u1) causing the bet unit to receive the side bet;

(u2) differentiating between how the illumination device lights when aside bet is received and when no side bet is received;

(u3) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(u4) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(u5) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and(ii) when combining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of aside-bet gaming terminal is given a priority over a symbol arrangementof a gaming terminal having received no side bet; and

(u6) causing the payout awarding device of the side-bet gaming terminalto award a payout according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display.

In the above structure, a game is run in each of the gaming terminals.The bet unit receives a side bet. How the illumination device lightswhen the side bet is received, is differentiated from how theillumination device lights when no side bet is received. Based on therunning of the game, symbols are rearranged in the arrangement areas onthe terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then, a payout is awardedaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas. One symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal is combined withsymbols identical to those in another symbol arrangement of anothergaming terminal while giving a priority to a symbol arrangement of aside-bet gaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includesthe symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal,and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. Then, the combination ofsymbol arrangements formed is rearranged on the shared display. A payoutis awarded through the side-bet gaming terminal, according to a relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display. This payout awardedaccording to the relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay realizes a new entertainment characteristic which raisesplayer's expectation for another payout awarded through the only onegaming terminal in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Further, one symbol arrangement of onegaming terminal is combined with symbols identical to those in anothersymbol arrangement of another gaming terminal while giving a priority toa symbol arrangement of a side-bet gaming terminal, wherein the onesymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe one gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, the combination of symbol arrangements formed is rearranged on theshared display. Thus, one game is formed with the side-bet gamingterminal. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which givesthe feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further,the payout awarding device of a side-bet gaming terminal awards apayout. Thus, a player is given an incentive to place a side bet. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic. Further, the illuminationdevice lights differently when a side bet is received from when no sidebet is received. Yet further, a player is able to visually recognize howthe illumination device of a gaming terminal lights, through whichgaming terminal a payout is awarded based on symbols rearranged on theshared display. Thus, a player is given an incentive to place a sidebet. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic.

The present invention is the above mentioned gaming machine in which thecenter controller is programmed to perform the step of (v2) instead of(u2):

(v2) causing the illumination device to light when a side bet isreceived, and causing the illumination device to turn off when no sidebet is received.

According to the above structure, the illumination device lights when aside bet is received. Also according to the above structure, a player isable to visually recognize how the illumination device of a gamingterminal lights, through which gaming terminal a payout is awarded basedon symbols rearranged on the shared display. Thus, the player is givenan incentive to place a side bet. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

The present invention is the above mentioned gaming terminal in whichthe illumination device is capable of lighting in two colors, and thecenter controller is programmed to perform the step of (w2) instead of(u2):

(w2) causing the illumination device to light in different colors whenthe side bet is received, from when no side bet is received.

According to the above structure, the illumination device lights indifferent colors depending on whether or not a side bet is placed. Alsoaccording to the above structure, a player is able to visually recognizehow the illumination device of a gaming terminal lights, through whichgaming terminal a payout is awarded based on symbols rearranged on theshared display. Thus, the player is given an incentive to place a sidebet. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic.

The present invention is a gaming machine, including:

a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyof each other, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas, (ii) a bet unit which receives aside bet from a player, (iii) a payout awarding device for awarding aplayer a payout related to the game, and (iv) a terminal controller, andeach of which terminals arranges a plurality of symbols in thearrangement areas;

a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols anddisplaying an effect related to the game; and

a center controller,

wherein the terminal controller performs the steps of: (x1) causing thebet unit to receive the side bet;

(x2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areas based on apredetermined timing;

(x3) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(x4) when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting to the centercontroller, information on the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas, and whether or not the side bet is received; and

(x5) causing the payout awarding device to award a payout based on aninstruction from the center controller.

(y1) when a predetermined condition is met, receiving from the terminalcontroller of each of the gaming terminals, the information on thesymbols, an arrangement of the symbols, and whether or not a side bet isreceived;

(y2) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and(ii) when combining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of aside-bet gaming terminal is given a priority over a symbol arrangementof a gaming terminal having received no side bet;

(y3) instructing the terminal controller of the side-bet gaming terminalto award a payout according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display.

According to the above structure, a side bet is received by the betunit. Based on a predetermined timing, symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the terminal display of the gaming terminal. Then,a payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas. When a predetermined condition is met, onesymbol arrangement of one gaming terminal is combined with symbolsidentical to those in another symbol arrangement of another gamingterminal while giving a priority to a symbol arrangement of a side-betgaming terminal, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbolsarranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the othersymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe other gaming terminal. Then, the combination of symbol arrangementsformed is rearranged on the shared display. A payout is awardedaccording to a relation among symbols rearranged on the shred display,through the side-bet gaming terminal. This payout awarded according tothe relation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizesa new entertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout awarded in addition to the one awarded as a result of thegame run in the gaming terminal. Further, one symbol arrangement of onegaming terminal is combined with symbols identical to those in anothersymbol arrangement of another gaming terminal while giving a priority toa symbol arrangement of a side-bet gaming terminal, wherein the onesymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe one gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, the combination of symbol arrangements formed is rearranged on theshared display. Thus, one game is formed with the side-bet gamingterminal. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which givesthe feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further,the payout awarding device of a side-bet gaming terminal awards apayout. Thus, a player is given an incentive to place a side bet. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic.

A playing method of a gaming machine in which gaming machine a pluralityof symbols are arranged in a matrix of arrangement areas on terminaldisplays of a plurality of gaming terminals, the method including thesteps of:

(z1) causing a bet unit of each of a plurality of gaming terminals toreceive a side bet;

(z2) rearranging symbols in arrangement areas of each of the gamingterminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;

(z3) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas;

(z4) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on a shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and(ii) when combining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of aside-bet gaming terminal is given a priority over a symbol arrangementof a gaming terminal having received no side bet;

(z5) causing the payout awarding device of the side-bet gaming terminalto award a payout according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display.

In the above structure, this payout awarded according to the relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout awarded in addition to the one awarded as a result of thegame run in the gaming terminal. Further, one symbol arrangement of onegaming terminal is combined with symbols identical to those in anothersymbol arrangement of another gaming terminal while giving a priority toa symbol arrangement of a side-bet gaming terminal, wherein the onesymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe one gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, the combination of symbol arrangements formed is rearranged on theshared display. Thus, one game is formed with the side-bet gamingterminal. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which givesthe feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further,the payout awarding device of a side-bet gaming terminal awards apayout. Thus, a player is given an incentive to place a side bet. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a base payout in accordance with a relationamong the rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed tooperate in the steps of: (A1) putting the side-bet device into aselectable state; (A2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areasin the plurality of terminal devices; (A3) awarding a base payout inaccordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas; (A4) rearranging, on the common display,predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; and (A5) awarding a bonus payout inaccordance with the number of the predetermined symbols thus rearrangedon the common display.

According to the above-described structure, it is possible to rearrange,on the common display, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged inthe terminal device selected by the side-bet device, and to award thebonus payout in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbolsrearranged on the common display. A player playing on the terminaldevice which has made a side-bet is given a bonus payout as a result ofa side-bet game, which bonus payout is affected by game results ofplayers playing on neighboring terminal devices. Therefore, the playermaking a side-bet can sometimes enjoy a side-bet game while feeling sometogetherness (unity) with players playing on neighboring terminaldevices.

In the above-described gaming machine, when awarding a bonus payout, thecontroller awards a bonus payout in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a bonuspayout, a bonus payout corresponding to the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device can be awarded. This enables imbalanceof the bonus payout due to difference in the number of participatingplayers to be corrected by, for example, setting a bonus payout ratecorresponding to the number of predetermined symbols to a higher ratewhen the smaller number of terminal devices participate in a side-betand setting a bonus payout rate corresponding to the number ofpredetermined symbols to a lower rate when the larger number of terminaldevices participate in a side-bet. Therefore, the player can enjoy theside-bet game even when there are a small number of participants.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a base payout in accordance with a relationamong the rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed tooperate in the steps of: (B1) putting the side-bet device into aselectable state until the symbols are rearranged in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices; (B2) rearranging the symbolsin the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (B3)awarding a base payout in accordance with a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas; (B4) rearranging, on the commondisplay, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminaldevice selected by the side-bet device; and (B5) awarding a bonus payoutin accordance with the number of the predetermined symbols thusrearranged on the common display.

According to the above-described structure, the side-bet device can beput into a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices. This allows theplayer to make a side-bet until rearrangement is completed in a basegame on the terminal device. Therefore, the player can make a side-betwhile watching how the predetermined symbols used for the side-bet gameare rearranged.

In the above-described gaming machine, when awarding a bonus payout, thecontroller awards a bonus payout in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a bonuspayout, a bonus payout corresponding to the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device can be awarded. This enables imbalanceof the bonus payout due to difference in the number of participatingplayers to be corrected by, for example, setting a bonus payout ratecorresponding to the number of predetermined symbols to a higher ratewhen the smaller number of terminal devices participate in a side-betand setting a bonus payout rate corresponding to the number ofpredetermined symbols to a lower rate when the larger number of terminaldevices participate in a side-bet. Therefore, the player can enjoy theside-bet game even when there are a small number of participants.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a payout in accordance with a relation amongthe rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed to operatein the steps of: (C1) putting the side-bet device into a selectablestate; (C2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areas in theplurality of terminal devices; (C3) awarding a base payout in accordancewith a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas;(C4) rearranging, on the common display, predetermined ones of thesymbols rearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-betdevice; (C5) rearranging the predetermined symbols thus rearranged, inthe arrangement areas in the common display; and (C6) awarding a bonuspayout in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbols thusrearranged.

According to the above-described structure, it is possible: torearrange, on the common display, predetermined one of the symbolsrearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; torearrange, in the arrangement areas, the predetermined symbols thusrearranged on the common display; and to award a bonus payout inaccordance with the number of the predetermined symbols rearranged. Thismay allow a player to enjoy a side-bet game with rearrangement on thecommon display. In addition, a player playing on the terminal devicewhich has made a side-bet is given a bonus payout as a result of aside-bet game, which bonus payout is affected by game results of playersplaying on neighboring terminal devices. Therefore, the player making aside-bet can sometimes enjoy a side-bet game while feeling sometogetherness (unity) with players playing on neighboring terminaldevices.

In the above-described gaming machine, when awarding a bonus payout, thecontroller awards a bonus payout in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a bonuspayout, a bonus payout corresponding to the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device can be awarded. This enables imbalanceof the bonus payout due to difference in the number of participatingplayers to be corrected by, for example, setting a bonus payout ratecorresponding to the number of predetermined symbols to a higher ratewhen the smaller number of terminal devices participate in a side-betand setting a bonus payout rate corresponding to the number ofpredetermined symbols to a lower rate when the larger number of terminaldevices participate in a side-bet. Therefore, the player can enjoy theside-bet game even when there are a small number of participants.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a payout in accordance with a relation amongthe rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed to operatein the steps of: (D1) putting the side-bet device into a selectablestate until the symbols are rearranged in the arrangement areas in theplurality of terminal devices; (D2) rearranging the symbols in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (D3) awarding abase payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas; (D4) rearranging, on the common display,predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; (D5) rearranging the predeterminedsymbols thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas in the common display;and (D6) awarding a bonus payout in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged.

According to the above-described structure, the side-bet device can beput into a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices. This allows theplayer to make a side-bet until rearrangement is completed in a basegame on the terminal device. Therefore, the player can make a side-betwhile watching how the predetermined symbols used for the side-bet gameare rearranged.

In the above-described gaming machine, when awarding a bonus payout, thecontroller awards a bonus payout in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a bonuspayout, a bonus payout corresponding to the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device can be awarded. This enables imbalanceof the bonus payout due to difference in the number of participatingplayers to be corrected by, for example, setting a bonus payout ratecorresponding to the number of predetermined symbols to a higher ratewhen the smaller number of terminal devices participate in a side-betand setting a bonus payout rate corresponding to the number ofpredetermined symbols to a lower rate when the larger number of terminaldevices participate in a side-bet. Therefore, the player can enjoy theside-bet game even when there are a small number of participants.

The present invention provides a playing method of a gaming machinecomprising: a common display which arranges a plurality of symbols in amatrix of arrangement areas; and a plurality of terminal devices eachhaving a terminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in amatrix of arrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to ornot to participate in a game played on the common display, the terminaldevice rearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas onthe terminal display and running a game to award a base payout inaccordance with a relation among the rearranged symbols. The methodincludes the steps of: putting the side-bet device into a selectablestate; rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areas in the pluralityof terminal devices; awarding a base payout in accordance with arelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas;rearranging, on the common display, predetermined ones of the symbolsrearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; andawarding a bonus payout in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged on the common display.

According to the above-described playing method of the gaming machine,it is possible to rearrange, on the common display, predetermined onesof the symbols rearranged in the terminal device selected by theside-bet device, and to award the bonus payout in accordance with thenumber of the predetermined symbols rearranged on the common display. Aplayer playing on the terminal device which has made a side-bet is givena bonus payout as a result of a side-bet game, which bonus payout isaffected by game results of players playing on neighboring terminaldevices. Therefore, the player making a side-bet can sometimes enjoy aside-bet game while feeling some togetherness (unity) with playersplaying on neighboring terminal devices.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a base payout in accordance with a relationamong the rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed tooperate in the steps of: (E1) putting the side-bet device into aselectable state; (E2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areasin the plurality of terminal devices; (E3) awarding a base payout inaccordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas; (E4) accumulatively storing a base payout which isawarded when there is a predetermined relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas in the terminal device selected bythe side-bet device; (E5) rearranging, on the common display,predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; and (E6) in accordance with the numberof the predetermined symbols rearranged on the common display, awardingall or a part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminaldevice selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, it is possible that: a basepayout which is awarded when there is a predetermined relation among thesymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas is accumulatively stored inthe terminal device selected by the side-bet device; predetermined onesof the symbols rearranged in the terminal device selected by theside-bet device are rearranged on the common display; and all or a partof the accumulatively-stored base payouts is awarded to the terminaldevice selected by the side-bet device, in accordance with the number ofthe predetermined symbols rearranged on the common display. Accordingly,a player playing on the terminal device which has made a side-bet isgiven a payout as a result of a side-bet game, which payout is affectedby game results of players playing on neighboring terminal devices.Therefore, the player making a side-bet can sometimes enjoy a side-betgame while feeling some togetherness (unity) with players playing onneighboring terminal devices. In addition, a player can enjoy theside-bet game without inserting a new game value, because a result of agame played in the terminal device having made a side-bet (a payoutresulting from achievement of a predetermined combination) is used for apayout of the side-bet game.

In the above-described gaming machine, the controller awards all or apart of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device, in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a part or allof the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet button, a payout corresponding to the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet button can be awarded. Thisenables imbalance of the payout due to difference in the number ofplayers participating in the side-bet game to be corrected by, forexample, setting a payout rate corresponding to the number of thepredetermined symbols to a higher rate when the smaller number ofterminal devices participate in a side-bet and setting a payout ratecorresponding to the number of the predetermined symbols to a lower ratewhen the larger number of terminal devices participate in a side-bet.Therefore, the player can enjoy the side-bet game even when there are asmall number of participants.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a base payout in accordance with a relationamong the rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed tooperate in the steps of: (F1) putting the side-bet device into aselectable state until the symbols are rearranged in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices; (F2) rearranging the symbolsin the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (F3)awarding a base payout in accordance with a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas; (F4) accumulatively storing a basepayout which is awarded when there is a predetermined relation among thesymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; (F5) rearranging, on the commondisplay, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminaldevice selected by the side-bet device; and (F6) in accordance with thenumber of the predetermined symbols rearranged on the common display,awarding all or a part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to theterminal device selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, the side-bet device can beput into a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices. This allows theplayer to make a side-bet until rearrangement is completed in a basegame on the terminal device. Therefore, the player can make a side-betwhile watching how the predetermined symbols used for the side-bet gameare rearranged.

In the above-described gaming machine, the controller awards all or apart of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device, in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a part or allof the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet button, a payout corresponding to the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet button can be awarded. Thisenables imbalance of the payout due to difference in the number ofplayers participating in the side-bet game to be corrected by, forexample, setting a payout rate corresponding to the number of thepredetermined symbols to a higher rate when the smaller number ofterminal devices participate in a side-bet and setting a payout ratecorresponding to the number of the predetermined symbols to a lower ratewhen the larger number of terminal devices participate in a side-bet.Therefore, the player can enjoy the side-bet game even when there are asmall number of participants.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a payout in accordance with a relation amongthe rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed to operatein the steps of: (G1) putting the side-bet device into a selectablestate; (G2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areas in theplurality of terminal devices; (G3) awarding a base payout in accordancewith a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas;(G4) accumulatively storing a base payout which is awarded when there isa predetermined relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; (G5)rearranging, on the common display, predetermined ones of the symbolsrearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; (G6)rearranging the predetermined symbols thus rearranged, in thearrangement areas on the common display; and (G7) in accordance with thenumber of the predetermined symbols rearranged on the common display,awarding all or a part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to theterminal device selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, it is possible that: in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device, a base payout which isawarded when there is a predetermined relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas is accumulatively stored;predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device are rearranged on the common display;the predetermined symbols thus rearranged are rearranged in thearrangement areas on the common display; and all or a part of theaccumulatively-stored base payouts is awarded to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device, in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols rearranged on the common display. This may enablea player to enjoy the side-bet game using rearrangement on the commondisplay. In addition, a player playing on the terminal device which hasmade a side-bet is given a payout as a result of a side-bet game, whichpayout is affected by game results of players playing on neighboringterminal devices. Therefore, the player making a side-bet can sometimesenjoy a side-bet game while feeling some togetherness (unity) withplayers playing on neighboring terminal devices. Moreover, a player canenjoy the side-bet game without inserting a new game value, because aresult of a game played in the terminal device having made a side-bet (apayout resulting from achievement of a predetermined combination) isused for a payout of the side-bet game.

In the above-described gaming machine, the controller awards all or apart of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device, in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a part or allof the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet button, a payout corresponding to the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet button can be awarded. Thisenables imbalance of the payout due to difference in the number ofplayers participating in the side-bet game to be corrected by, forexample, setting a payout rate corresponding to the number of thepredetermined symbols to a higher rate when the smaller number ofterminal devices participate in a side-bet and setting a payout ratecorresponding to the number of the predetermined symbols to a lower ratewhen the larger number of terminal devices participate in a side-bet.Therefore, the player can enjoy the side-bet game even when there are asmall number of participants.

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a commondisplay which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangementareas; a plurality of terminal devices each having a terminal displaywhich arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areasand a side-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display, the terminal device rearranging theplurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal displayand running a game to award a payout in accordance with a relation amongthe rearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed to operatein the steps of: (H1) putting the side-bet device into a selectablestate until the symbols are rearranged in the arrangement areas in theplurality of terminal devices; (H2) rearranging the symbols in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (H3) awarding abase payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas; (H4) accumulatively storing a base payoutwhich is awarded when there is a predetermined relation among thesymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; (H5) rearranging, on the commondisplay, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminaldevice selected by the side-bet device; (H6) rearranging thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas on thecommon display; and (H7) in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols rearranged on the common display, awarding all ora part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, the side-bet device can beput into a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices. This allows theplayer to make a side-bet until rearrangement is completed in a basegame on the terminal device. Therefore, the player can make a side-betwhile watching how the predetermined symbols used for the side-bet gameare rearranged.

In the above-described gaming machine, the controller awards all or apart of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device, in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described structure, when awarding a part or allof the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet button, a payout corresponding to the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet button can be awarded. Thisenables imbalance of the payout due to difference in the number ofplayers participating in the side-bet game to be corrected by, forexample, setting a payout rate corresponding to the number of thepredetermined symbols to a higher rate when the smaller number ofterminal devices participate in a side-bet and setting a payout ratecorresponding to the number of the predetermined symbols to a lower ratewhen the larger number of terminal devices participate in a side-bet.Therefore, the player can enjoy the side-bet game even when there are asmall number of participants.

The present invention provides a playing method of a gaming machinecomprising: a common display which arranges a plurality of symbols in amatrix of arrangement areas; and a plurality of terminal devices eachhaving a terminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in amatrix of arrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to ornot to participate in a game played on the common display, the terminaldevice rearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas onthe terminal display and running a game to award a base payout inaccordance with a relation among the rearranged symbols. The methodincludes the steps of: putting the side-bet device into a selectablestate; rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areas in the pluralityof terminal devices; awarding a base payout in accordance with arelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas;accumulatively storing a base payout which is awarded when there is apredetermined relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device;rearranging, on the common display, predetermined ones of the symbolsrearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; andin accordance with the number of the predetermined symbols rearranged onthe common display, awarding all or a part of the accumulatively-storedbase payouts to the terminal device selected by the side-bet device.

According to the above-described playing method, it is possible that: abase payout which is awarded when there is a predetermined relationamong the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas is accumulativelystored in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device;predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device are rearranged on the common display;and all or a part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts is awardedto the terminal device selected by the side-bet device, in accordancewith the number of the predetermined symbols rearranged on the commondisplay. Accordingly, a player playing on the terminal device which hasmade a side-bet is given a payout as a result of a side-bet game, whichpayout is affected by game results of players playing on neighboringterminal devices. Therefore, the player making a side-bet can sometimesenjoy a side-bet game while feeling some togetherness (unity) withplayers playing on neighboring terminal devices. Moreover, a player canenjoy the side-bet game without inserting a new game value, because aresult of a game played in the terminal device having made a side-bet (apayout resulting from achievement of a predetermined combination) isused for a payout of the side-bet game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine and a playing method thereof,according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of aterminal display during a base game.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of ashared display.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of ashared display.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating contribution rates ofcombination symbol arrangements 190 and distributions of a payout basedon the rates.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an alternative form of acombination symbol arrangement 190.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a pattern of combining twoor more combination symbol arrangements 190.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of thegaming machine.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of thegaming terminal.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a symbol column ofsymbols rearranged on the terminal display.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of thegaming terminal.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of acenter controller.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a boot process executed by a gamingterminal and the center controller.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an initial process executed by thegaming terminal and the center controller.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a terminal process routine executedin the gaming terminal.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a center process routine executed inthe center controller.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a progressive award process routineexecuted in the center controller.

FIG. 19 illustrates a gaming machine and a playing method thereof,according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state and atransfer state of a shared display.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating contribution rates ofcombination symbol arrangements 190.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a transfer state of a shareddisplay.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of acenter controller.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a progressive award process routineexecuted in the center controller.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof, according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of aterminal display during a base game.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of ashared display while the symbol matrix is scrolled.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram related to formation of the symbolmatrix.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram related to formation of the symbolmatrix.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an alternative form of acombination symbol arrangement 190.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram related to scrolling of the symbolmatrix.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram related to scrolling of the symbolmatrix.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a terminal process routine executedin the gaming terminal.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a center process routine executed inthe center controller.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof, according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of aterminal display during a base game.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of ashared display.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory drawing illustrating patterns of combiningcombination symbol arrangements 190, based on whether or not a side betis received.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory drawing illustrating patterns of combiningcombination symbol arrangements 190, based on whether or not a side betis received.

FIG. 43A is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the illuminationdevice lights depending on whether a side bet is received or not.

FIG. 43B is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the illuminationdevice lights depending on whether a side bet is received or not, and/orwhether a symbol arrangement is accepted or not.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of thegaming terminal.

FIG. 45 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of thegaming terminal.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a terminal process routine executedin the gaming terminal.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a side bet process routine executedin the gaming terminal.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a center process routine executed inthe center controller.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory view showing a playing method of a gamingmachine;

FIG. 50 is a block diagram of the gaming machine;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view showing external appearance of a slotmachine;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of aterminal device;

FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing display screens during a basegame;

FIG. 54 is an explanatory view showing display screens during a side-betgame;

FIG. 55 shows symbol columns and code numbers of respective symbols;

FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of theterminal device;

FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of a centralcontrol board;

FIG. 58 is an explanatory view showing a base game winning combinationlottery table;

FIG. 59 is an explanatory view showing a base game payout table;

FIG. 60 is an explanatory view showing a COMMON SYMBOL number lotterytable;

FIG. 61 is an explanatory view showing a side-bet game payout table;

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of a boot process which is executed in the slotmachine;

FIG. 63 is a flowchart of an initial process which is executed in theslot machine;

FIG. 64 is a flowchart of a game running process which is executed inthe terminal device;

FIG. 65 is a flowchart of a side-bet process which is executed in theterminal device; and

FIG. 66 is a flowchart of a side-bet game running process which isexecuted in the central control board.

FIG. 67 is an explanatory view showing a playing method of a gamingmachine;

FIG. 68 is a block diagram of the gaming machine;

FIG. 69 is an explanatory view showing display screens during a basegame;

FIG. 70 is an explanatory view showing display screens during a side-betgame;

FIG. 71 is an explanatory view showing a base game winning combinationlottery table;

FIG. 72 is an explanatory view showing a base game payout table;

FIG. 73 is an explanatory view showing a COMMON SYMBOL number lotterytable;

FIG. 74 is a flowchart of a game running process which is executed inthe terminal device; and

FIG. 75 is a flowchart of a side-bet game running process which isexecuted in the central control board.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

The following describes a first embodiment of a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof according to the present invention. Note thatreference numbers and symbols given to members and steps of flowchartsare only applicable to those described within the present embodiment,and do not represent the members or the steps of the other embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 includes a plurality ofgaming terminals 3 and a shared display 102, and executes a playingmethod including the steps of: arranging symbols 180 in arrangementareas 150 of each of the gaming terminals 3 based on running of a game;awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150; combining an arrangement 190 ofone gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of another gamingterminal 3, and rearranging on the shared display 102 symbols 180identical to those in the one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement190, wherein the one arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the otherarrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas150 of the other gaming terminal 3; determining whether to award apayout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on theshared display 102; when the payout is determined to be awarded,determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180, wherein each of the contributionrates is a rate at which one arrangement 190 contributes to adetermination of awarding the payout (such a rate is hereinafter simplyreferred to as contribution rate) ; when the payout is determined to beawarded, determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on at least two different amounts of distribution;and causing the payout awarding device 125 of each of the gamingterminals 3 to award a payout based on the determined distribution.

The “arranging” in this specification means a state where the symbols180 can be visually observed by a player. That is, the wording means astate where the symbols 180 are displayed in the arrangement areas 150,in FIG. 1. Arranging the symbols 180 again after dismissing the symbols180 is referred to as “rearranging”.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the arrangement areas 150 are areas of aterminal display 101 where symbols 180 are arranged. The arrangementareas 150 form display windows 151 to 155 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Forexample, arrangement areas 151a, 151b, and 151c form the display window151. Further, the display windows 151 to 155 form a matrix 156. Thematrix 156, in other words, is formed with the plurality of arrangementareas 150 arranged in a matrix.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, arrangement areas 250 are areas of the shareddisplay 102 where symbols 180 are arranged. The arrangement areas 150form display windows 251 to 255 as illustrated in FIG. 4. For example,the arrangement areas 255 a, 255 b, and 255 c form the display window255. Further, the display windows 251 to 255 form a matrix 256. Thematrix 256, in other words, is formed with the plurality of arrangementareas 250 arranged in a matrix.

Further, “scatter symbols” are such symbols which provide advantages toa player when a predetermined number or more of them are displayed inthe matrix 156. For example, the advantages includes: a state wherecoins corresponding to the scatter symbols are paid out, a state wherethe number of coins to be paid out is added to a credit, a state where abonus game is started.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 which executes theplaying method has the shared display 102, a center controller 100, andgaming terminals 3. Each of the gaming terminals 3 includes a terminaldisplay 101, a terminal controller 110, and a payout awarding device125.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal display 101 has the arrangementareas 150, and symbols 180 are arranged in the arrangement areas 150.

The terminal display 101 may have a mechanical structure adopting a reeldevice which rotates a reel to arrange the symbols 180. Alternatively,the terminal display 101 may have an electric structure in which a videoreel is displayed as an image and symbols 180 on a video reel arearranged in the form of an image. Further, the terminal display 101 mayadopt a combination of the mechanical structure (reel) and theelectrical structure (video reel). Examples of the electrical structureinclude a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), aplasma display device, or the like. Further, the number of arrangementareas 150 is not limited. A specific structure of the terminal display101 will be detailed later.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the shared display 102 has the arrangementareas 250, and symbols 180 are arranged in the arrangement areas 250.This shared display 102 displays a progressive jackpot value 200 asillustrated in FIG. 4. A specific structure of the terminal display 101will be detailed later.

The payout awarding device 125 is a later-mentioned hopper 66 in thisembodiment. The hopper 66 awards a player a payout related to a game bypaying out coins. Note that the present embodiment deals with a casewhere the payout awarding device 125 is a hopper 66 which pays outcoins. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long asthe device awards a player a payout related to a game. For example, amagnetic card storing therein a value related to a game is possible.

[Terminal Controller 100]

The terminal controller 110 executes: a first process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in arrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing; a secondprocess of awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 180; a third process of, when apredetermined condition is met, transmitting information of symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of therearranged symbols 180 to the center controller 100; and a fourthprocess of causing the payout awarding device 125 to award a payoutbased on an instruction from the center controller 100. In other words,the terminal controller 110 has a first processing unit, a secondprocessing unit, a third processing unit, and a fourth processing unit.

The terminal controller 110 is connected to the center controller 100and is in communication with the center controller 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the terminal controller 110 is connected to agame starting unit 111. The game starting unit 111 has a function ofoutputting a game start signal, in response to an operation by theplayer. The game start signal output is then input to a later-describedgame running unit 112.

Further, the terminal controller 110 is connected to a BET unit 109. TheBET unit 109 has functions of receiving a bet entered through anoperation by the player, and outputting a BET signal in response to thebet entered. The BET signal output is input to a later-described gamerunning unit 112.

The terminal controller 110 includes: a game running unit 112, arearrangement symbol determining unit 113, a terminal display controlunit 114, and a payout award control unit 124. The game running unit 112runs a base game, triggered by a game start signal from the gamestarting unit 111. In the base game, symbols 180 are rearranged in thearrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. Further, the terminalcontroller 110 outputs a progressive signal, triggered by the game startsignal. The progressive signal is a signal indicating a game value.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines, based on thestate of game run by the game running unit 112, a plurality of symbols180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement ofthe symbols 180 (hereinafter, terminal symbol arrangement). The terminalcontroller 110 then transmits information of the terminal symbolarrangement to the center controller 100, through a control performed bythe game running unit 112.

The terminal display control unit 114 displays the symbols 180 on theterminal display 101 under control of the game running unit 112 and onthe basis of a determination of the rearrangement symbol determiningunit 113. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

Further, the terminal controller 110 includes a not-shown payout awarddetermining unit. The payout award determining unit determines whetherto award a payout, based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. The payoutaward control unit 124 causes the payout awarding device 125 to award apayout, based on a determination of the payout award determining unitand an instruction from the center controller 100.

Meanwhile, each block of the terminal controller 110 may be realizedwith hardware or with software as needed.

[Operation of Terminal Controller 110]

The following describes an operation of the terminal controller 100 inthe above structure. First, the BET unit 109 accepts a BET enteredthrough an operation by a player. Then, in response to the operation,the game starting unit 111 outputs a game start signal to cause the gamerunning unit 112 to start a base game. When the base game is started,the rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180 (terminal symbol arrangement). The symbols 180 to berearranged and the terminal symbol arrangement are determined at everybase game. The symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symboldetermining unit 113 undergo an image processing in the terminal displaycontrol unit 114, and are displayed on the terminal display 101. Theterminal display control unit 114 rearranges the symbols 180 in thearrangement areas 150, according to the arrangement determined. Thus,the terminal controller 110 executes the first process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in the arrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing.

Further, a not-shown payout determining unit determines whether to awarda payout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150. When the payout determining unit determines toaward a payout, the payout award control unit 124 causes the payoutawarding device 125 to award a payout. Thus, the terminal controller 110executes the second process of awarding a payout according to a relationamong the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150.

Further, the terminal controller 110 transmits, to the center controller100, symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit113 and an arrangement of the symbols 180, based on a predeterminedcondition. An example of such a condition is a shared game being run, orthe like condition. Thus, the terminal controller 110 executes the thirdprocess of, when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting symbols180 determined and an arrangement of the symbols 180 to the centercontroller 100.

Further, the payout award control unit 124 causes the payout awardingdevice 125 to award a progressive payout based on an instruction fromthe center controller 100. Thus, the terminal controller 110 executesthe fourth process of causing the payout awarding device 125 to award apayout based on an instruction from the center controller 100.

[Center Controller 100]

The center controller 100 executes: a fifth process of, when thepredetermined condition is met, receiving symbols 180 and an arrangementof the symbols 180 from one or more terminal controllers 110; a sixthprocess of combining one symbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3with another symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, andrearranging, on the shared display 102, symbols 180 identical to thosein the one symbol arrangement 190 and the other symbol arrangement 190,wherein the one symbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the othersymbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the other gaming terminal 3; a seventh process ofdetermining whether to award a payout according to a relation among thesymbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102; an eighth process of,when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining a distributionof the payout for each of the gaming terminals 3, based on contributionrates of the combined symbol arrangements 190 of the symbols 180; aninth process of, when the payout is determined to be awarded,determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on at least two different amounts of distribution;and a tenth process of instructing the terminal controller 110 of eachof the gaming terminals 3 to award a payout based on the determineddistribution. In other words, the terminal controller 100 includes afifth process unit, a sixth process unit, a seventh process unit, aneighth process unit, a ninth process unit, and a tenth process unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the center controller 100 is connected to theterminal controller 110 and is in communication with the terminalcontroller 110.

The center controller 100 includes: a progressive storage unit 115, ashared game starting unit 116, a shared game running unit 117, arearrangement symbol determining unit 118, combination symboldetermining unit 119, a shared display control unit 120, a payoutdetermining unit 121, and a payout distribution determining unit 123.

The progressive storage unit 115 stores and sums up a game valueindicated by a progressive signal received from the terminal controller110. The shared game starting unit 116 outputs a shared game startsignal, when the predetermined condition is met. The shared game startsignal output is input to a later-mentioned shared game running unit117. For example, meeting the predetermined situation means a situationwhere a game value stored in the progressive storage unit 115 sums up toa predetermined value or greater.

The shared game running unit 117 runs a shared game, triggered by theshared game start signal received from the shared game starting unit116. In the shared game, symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangementareas 250 of the shared display 102.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 receives information of aterminal symbol arrangement from each of two or more terminalcontrollers 110. Based on the information of the terminal symbolarrangement received, the combination symbol determining unit 119selects symbols 180 and determines an arrangement of the symbols 180(hereinafter, combination symbol arrangement 190). In other words, thecombination symbol arrangement 190 determines at least two combinationsymbol arrangements 190.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in arrangement areas 250 and an arrangement of the symbols180 by combining the at least two combination symbol arrangements 190.

The shared display control unit 120 displays the symbols 180 on theshared display 102 under control of the shared game running unit 117 andon the basis of a determination of the rearrangement symbol determiningunit 118. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

Further, when a later-described payout determining unit 121 determinesto award a progressive payout, the shared display control unit 120displays effects 195 and 196 indicating that the progressive payout isawarded on the shared display.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 250 of the shared display 102. When the payoutdetermining unit 121 determines to award a progressive payout, thepayout distribution determining unit 123 determines a distribution ofthe progressive payout for each of the gaming terminals 3, based on apredetermined condition. In other words, the payout distributiondetermining unit 123 determines how to distribute a progressive payout.The payout distribution determining unit 123 may determine one of thegaming terminals 3, based on calculated contribution rates of thecombination symbol arrangements 190. Further, the payout distributiondetermining unit 123 may determine a distribution of a progressivepayout for each of the gaming terminals 3 so that at least two differentamounts of distribution are provided to the gaming terminals 3. Further,the payout distribution determining unit 123 outputs an instruction tothe terminal controller 110 of a determined gaming terminal 3 so that aprogressive payout is awarded.

Meanwhile, each block of the center controller 100 may be realized withhardware or with software as needed.

[Operation of Center Controller 100]

The following describes an operation of the center controller 100 in theabove structure. First, the game value is stored and summed in theprogressive storage unit 115. A shared game starts when the stored gamevalue sums up to a predetermined value or greater. The combinationsymbol determining unit 119, during the shared game, receivesinformation of a terminal symbol arrangement from the terminalcontroller 110. Thus, the center controller 100 executes the fifthprocess of receiving, when a predetermined condition is met, symbols 180and arrangements thereof (terminal symbol arrangements) from theterminal controllers 110.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 determines at least twocombination symbol arrangements 190 based on the terminal symbolarrangement received. Further, the combination symbol determining unit119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements 190based on symbols 180 and arrangement thereof in different positions ofthe arrangement areas 150. Further, the combination symbol determiningunit 119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements190 on the row or column basis.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 250 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180, by combining the at least two combination symbolarrangements 190.

The symbols determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit 118undergo image processing performed in the shared display control unit120, and are displayed on the shared display 102. According to thearrangement thus determined, the shared display control unit 120rearranges the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 250. Thus, thecenter controller 100 executes the sixth process of combining one symbolarrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3 with another symbol arrangement190 of another gaming terminal 3, and rearranging, on the shared display102, symbols 180 identical to those in the one symbol arrangement 190and the other symbol arrangement 190, wherein the one symbol arrangement190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of theone gaming terminal 3, and the other symbol arrangement 190 includes thesymbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the other gamingterminal 3.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout, according to a relation of the symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 250. In other words, the centercontroller 100 executes the seventh process of determining whether toaward a payout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedon the shared display 102.

When the payout determining unit 121 determines to award the progressivepayout, the payout distribution determining unit 123 determines how todistribute the progressive payout for each of the gaming terminals 3.The payout distribution determining unit 123 calculates contributionrates of the combination symbol arrangements 190. Then, the payoutdistribution determining unit 123 determines a distribution of theprogressive payout for each of the gaming terminals 3, based on thecalculated contribution rates. Thus, the center controller 100 executesthe eighth process of determining a distribution of the payout for eachof the gaming terminals 3, based on contribution rates of the combinedsymbol arrangements 190 of the symbols 180.

The payout distribution determining unit 123 may determine adistribution of a progressive payout for each of the gaming terminals 3so that at least two different amounts of distribution are provided tothe gaming terminals 3. Thus, the center controller 100 executes theninth process of, when the payout is determined to be awarded,determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on at least two different amounts of distribution.

The payout distribution determining unit 123, when the distribution ofthe progressive payout for each of the gaming terminals 3 is determined,outputs an instruction to the terminal controller 110 of each of thegaming terminals 3 so that a progressive payout based on the determineddistribution is awarded.

Thus, the center controller 100 executes the tenth process ofinstructing the terminal controller 110 of each of the gaming terminals3 to award a payout based on the determined distribution

The above can be rephrased as follows. The center controller 100 causesthe terminal controllers 110 to perform the first process so as toexecute a eleventh process of rearranging symbols 180 in the arrangementareas 150 based on running of a game in the gaming terminals 3.

As is obvious from the above operation, the gaming machine 1 includes aplurality of gaming terminals 3 and a shared display 102, and realizes aplaying method including the steps of: rearranging symbols 180 inarrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing; awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150; transmitting to the center controller 100, thesymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangementof the symbols 180, when a predetermined condition is met; receiving,from terminal controllers 110, symbols 180 and arrangements thereof,when a predetermined condition is met; combining an arrangement 190 ofone gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of another gamingterminal 3, and rearranging on the shared display 102 symbols 180identical to those in the one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement190, wherein the one arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the otherarrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas150 of the other gaming terminal 3; determining whether to award apayout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on theshared display 102; when the payout is determined to be awarded,determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180; when the payout is determined to beawarded, determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on at least two different amounts of distribution;instructing the terminal controller 110 of each of the gaming terminals3 to award a payout based on the determined distribution; and causingthe payout awarding device 125 to award a payout based on an instructionfrom the center controller 100.

This can be rephrased as follows. The gaming machine 1 includes aplurality of gaming terminals 3 and a shared display 102, and realizes aplaying method including the steps of: arranging symbols 180 inarrangement areas 150 of each of the gaming terminals 3 based on runningof a game; awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150; combining, an arrangement190 of one gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of anothergaming terminal 3, and rearranging on the shared display 102 symbols 180identical to those in the one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement190, wherein the one arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the otherarrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas150 of the other gaming terminal 3; determining whether to award apayout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on theshared display 102; when the payout is determined to be awarded,determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180; when the payout is determined to beawarded, determining a distribution of the payout for each of the gamingterminals 3, based on at least two different amounts of distribution;and causing the payout awarding device 125 of each of the gamingterminals 3 to award a payout based on the determined distribution.

According to the above playing method, symbols are arranged at apredetermined timing in the arrangement areas 150 on a terminal display101 of a gaming terminal 3. Then, a payout is awarded according to thesymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150. When apredetermined condition is met, symbols 180 identical to those in onesymbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3 are rearranged on theshared display 102 in combination with symbols 180 identical to those inanother symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, wherein theone arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other arrangement 190includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the othergaming terminal 3. Then, whether to award a payout is determinedaccording to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on the shareddisplay 102. When the payout is determined to be awarded, a distributionof the payout for each of the gaming terminals 3 is determined based oncontribution rates of the combined symbol arrangements 190 of thesymbols 180. When the payout is determined to be awarded, a distributionof the payout for each of the gaming terminals is determined based on atleast two different amounts of distribution. The payout awarding device125 of each of the gaming terminals 3 awards a payout based on thedetermined distribution. This payout awarded according to the relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal. Additionally, a distribution of the payoutis determined based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic. Additionally, different amounts of distribution aregiven to the gaming terminals 3 by determining a distribution of thepayout based on at least two different amounts of distribution.Therefore, a new entertainment characteristic is realized. Further, whena payout is determined to be awarded, an effect indicating that thepayout is awarded is displayed on the shared display. This realizes anew entertainment characteristic which gives a player more concreteexpectation for a payout according to the relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display. Further, a single game is created withthe use of a plurality of gaming terminals by rearranging, on the shareddisplay, the symbols identical to those in the symbol arrangement of theone gaming terminal in combination with the symbols identical to thosein the other symbol arrangement of the other gaming terminal, whereinthe one symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangementareas of the one gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gamingterminal. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which givesthe feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participating players.

[Display State of Terminal Display 101]

The following details an exemplary display state of the terminal display101 during the operations of the gaming machine 1 and the playing methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where theterminal display 101 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a videoreel in the form of an image, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a matrix 156 is in the center of the terminaldisplay 101. The matrix 156 includes a symbol column having symbols 180,which is scrolled as illustrated in the upper left of FIG. 3. Thedisplay windows 151 to 155 are respectively divided into upper stages151 a to 155 a, central stages 151 b to 155 b, and lower stages 151 c to155 c. The symbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the stages 151 a to 155a, 151 b to 155 b, and 151 c to 155 c, respectively. For example, inFIG. 3,, “DIAMOND” is stopped in 151 a of the upper stage of the displaywindow 151, “7” is stopped in 152 b of the central stage of the displaywindow 152 and “DIAMOND” is stopped in 153 c of the lower stage of thedisplay window 153. In short, the matrix 156 is a symbol matrixincluding five columns/three rows. The matrix 156 however is not limitedto the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

As is illustrated in the upper left of FIG. 3, the terminal display 101variably displays symbols 180 when a base game is started in the gamingterminal 3. When this variable-displaying of symbols 180 stops, symbols180 are rearranged in the arrangement areas 150, as illustrated in FIG.3. Then, a payout according to a relation among the symbols 180 isawarded.

A frame including a part of the symbols 180 thus rearranged is variablydisplayed. Then, symbols 180 and an arrangement thereof within theframe, at the time of stopping the variable-displaying, are determinedas a combination symbol arrangement 190. Specifically, in the exampleshown in the middle left of FIG. 3, a combination symbol arrangement 190a is an arrangement of symbols 180 rearranged in those arrangement areas151 a to 155 a within the frame. Further, in the example shown in themiddle right of FIG. 3, a combination symbol arrangement 190 b is anarrangement of symbols 180 rearranged in those arrangement areas 151 bto 155 b within the frame. Further, in the example shown in the lowerleft of FIG. 3, a combination symbol arrangement 190 c is an arrangementof symbols 180 rearranged in those arrangement areas 151 c to 155 cwithin the frame.

[Display State of Shared Display 102]

The following details an exemplary display state of the shared display102 during the operations of the gaming machine 1 and the playing methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where theshared display 102 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a videoreel in the form of an image, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a matrix 256 is in the center of the shareddisplay 102. The matrix 256 includes a symbol column having symbols 180,which is scrolled as illustrated in the upper view of FIG. 4. Thedisplay windows 251 to 255 are divided into upper stages 251 a to 255 a,central stages 251 b to 255 b, and lower stages 251 c to 255 c. Thesymbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the stages 251 a to 255 a, 251 bto 255 b, and 251 c to 255 c, respectively. In short, the matrix 256 isa symbol matrix including five columns/three rows. The matrix 256however is not limited to the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

This shared display 102 displays at its lower part a progressive jackpotvalue 200 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The progressive jackpot value 200 isthe sum of game values having been accumulated. In FIG. 4 for example,the progressive jackpot value 200 is 1,929.00 dollars.

As is illustrated in the upper view of FIG. 4, the shared display 102variably displays symbols 180 when a shared game is started. When thisvariable-displaying of symbols 180 stops, symbols 180 are rearranged inthe arrangement areas 250, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Symbols 180 arerearranged in the arrangement areas 250, by combining the combinationsymbol arrangements 190 of the terminal displays 101. Then, whether toaward a progressive payout is determined according to a relation amongthe symbols 180 rearranged. When the progressive payout is determined tobe awarded, on the shared display 102 is displayed an effect 195indicating that the progressive payout is awarded, as is illustrated inthe lower view of FIG. 4. The effect 195 is a message image of “YOU WONPROGRESSIVE PAYOUT”.

Thus, when the payout is determined to be awarded, on the shared displayis displayed an effect indicating that the payout is awarded. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives a player moreconcrete expectation for a payout according to the relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display

When the progressive payout is determined to be awarded, on the shareddisplay 102 is displayed an effect 196 indicating that the progressivepayout is awarded, as is illustrated in the upper view of FIG. 5. Theeffect 196 is a message image indicating that a distribution of theprogressive payout for each of the gaming terminals 3 is beingdetermined. At the same time, the above-mentioned payout distributiondetermining unit 123 determines a distribution of the progressive payoutfor each of the gaming terminals 3.

When the distribution of the progressive payout is determined, on theshared display 102 is displayed an effect 197 indicating that thedistribution of the progressive payout for each of the gaming terminals3 has been determined, as is illustrated in the lower view of FIG. 5. Atthe same time, on the respective terminal displays 101, are displayedeffects 201 (201 a, 201 b, and 201 c) indicating the distribution of theprogressive payout determined for the respective gaming terminals 3. Theeffect 201 a indicates that the distribution of the progressive payoutis “MEGA DISTRIBUTION!!” and that the distribution is 1,196.75 dollars.The effect 201 b indicates that the distribution of the progressivepayout is “MAJOR DISTRIBUTION!!” and that the distribution is 532.25dollars. The effect 201 c indicates that the distribution of theprogressive payout is “MINI DISTRIBUTION!!” and that the distribution is200.00 dollars.

Thus, this payout awarded according to the relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for another payout inaddition to the one awarded as a result of the game run in the gamingterminal.

The following details contribution rates of combined symbol arrangements190 in reference to FIG. 6. In the example shown in FIG. 6, thecondition for determining to award a progressive payout is that four ormore scatter symbols “7” are arranged in the matrix 256. As illustratedin FIG. 6, when the progressive payout is determined to be awarded, thearrangement areas where scatter symbols “7” are arranged are thearrangement areas 251 b, 252 b, 254 a, and 255 b.

The symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 251 a to 255 a are arrangedbased on a combination symbol arrangement 190 of the gaming terminalwith the terminal number 1. This combination symbol arrangement 190includes one scatter symbol “7”. Therefore, the contribution level(contribution value) of this combination symbol arrangement 190 is 1.

Further, the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 251 b to 255 b arearranged based on a combination symbol arrangement 190 of the gamingterminal with the terminal number 3. This combination symbol arrangement190 includes three scatter symbols “7”. Therefore, the contributionlevel of this combination symbol arrangement 190 is 3.

Further, the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 251 c to 255 c arearranged based on a combination symbol arrangement 190 of the gamingterminal with the terminal number 2. This combination symbol arrangement190 includes no scatter symbols “7”. Therefore, the contribution levelof this combination symbol arrangement 190 is 0.

The following describes distributions of a progressive payout based oncontribution rates of combination symbol arrangements 190. Distributionsof a progressive payout are determined so that each of the gamingterminals is ensured to be awarded a predetermined payout amount out ofthe progressive payout. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6,distributions of the progressive payout are determined so that each ofthe gaming terminals is ensured to be awarded the predetermined payoutamount of 200 dollars, as the minimum awarding value, out of theprogressive payout of 1,929.00 dollars.

Then, each of the gaming terminals is given a distribution of the payoutcalculated by subtracting the minimum awarding value from theprogressive payout of 1,929.00 dollars, based on contribution rates ofthe combination symbol arrangements 190. In the example in FIG. 6, thecontribution value of the terminal numbered 1 is 1 and therefore thepayout value due to contribution is calculated to be 333.25 dollars,based on this contribution value. The contribution value of the terminalnumbered 2 is 0 and therefore the payout value due to contribution iscalculated to be 0 dollar, based on this contribution value. Thecontribution value of the terminal numbered 3 is 3 and therefore thepayout value due to contribution is calculated to be 996.75 dollars,based on this contribution value.

The payout value to be distributed for each of the gaming terminals isthe total value of the minimum awarding value and the value due tocontribution. In the example in FIG. 6, the distribution for theterminal numbered 1 is the total value of 532.25 dollars composed of 200dollars and 332.35 dollars, which correspond to the minimum awardingvalue and the value due to contribution respectively. The distributionfor the terminal numbered 2 is the total value of 200.00 dollarscomposed of 200 dollars and 0 dollars, which correspond to the minimumawarding value and the value due to contribution respectively. Thedistribution for the terminal numbered 3 is the total value composed of200 dollars and 996.75 dollars, which correspond to the minimum awardingvalue and the value due to contribution respectively.

Thus, a distribution of a progressive payout for each of the gamingterminals is determined based on minimum awarding value and a payout dueto contribution. Further, as described above, distributions of aprogressive payout are preferably determined based on at least twodifferent amounts of distribution.

Thus, a distribution of the payout is determined based on contributionrates of the combined symbol arrangements 190 of the symbols 180. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic. Additionally, differentamounts of distribution are given to the gaming terminals 3 bydetermining distributions of the payout based on at least two differentamounts of distribution. Therefore, a new entertainment characteristicis realized.

As is the case of combination symbol arrangements 190 a to 190 cillustrated in FIG. 3, the combination symbol arrangement 190 may be anarrangement of one or more rows. Alternatively, the combination symbolarrangement 190 may be an arrangement of one or more columns, oradjacent or separate groups of arrangement areas, as is the case ofcombination symbol arrangements 190 d to 190 g illustrated in FIG. 7.The combination symbol arrangements 190 on the row or column basisallows players to easily understand how rearranged symbols 180 on theterminal displays 101 are combined and rearranged on the shared display102. This enhances the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” amongparticipating players.

Further, as is the case of the combination symbol arrangements 190 a,190 b, and 190 c illustrated in FIG. 3, each combination symbolarrangement 190 is determined based on symbols 180 and an arrangementthereof in the arrangement areas 150 in different positions. However,the combination symbol arrangement 190 may be determined based onsymbols 180 and an arrangement thereof in the arrangement areas 150 inthe same positions, as is the case of the combination symbolarrangements 190 a and 190 c illustrated in FIG. 8. Further, determiningthe combination symbol arrangements 190 based on symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 150 in different positions and arrangements ofthe symbols 180 allows players to easily understand how rearrangedsymbols 180 on the terminal displays 101 are combined and rearranged onthe shared display 102. This enhances the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” among participating players.

[Symbol, Combination, or the Like]

A terminal display 101 has a matrix 156 including symbol columns eachhaving twenty two symbols 180 as illustrated in FIG. 11. To each of thesymbols constituting the columns is given one of code numbers 0 to 21.Each of the symbol columns has a combination of symbols which includes“BELL”, “APPLE”, “7”, “DIAMOND”, “CHERRY”, or “BONUS”.

Of the symbols in the symbol columns, the display windows 151 to 155each displays (arranges) three successive symbols. The symbols arrangedin the upper stages 151 a to 155 a, the centeral stages 151 b to 155 b,and the lower stages 151 c to 155 c form a symbol matrix having fivecolumns and three rows. When a BET button and a start button aresequentially pressed in this order to start a game, symbols constitutingthe symbol matrix start to scroll. This scrolling of the symbols stops(rearrangement) after a predetermined period from the beginning of thescrolling.

Further, for each symbol, a predetermined scatter symbol is determinedin advance. Scatter symbols are such symbols that a player is put in anadvantageous position when a predetermined number or more of them aredisplayed in the matrix 156. For example, the advantages includes: astate where coins corresponding to the scatter symbols are paid out, astate where the number of coins to be paid out is added to a credit, astate where a bonus game is started.

To be more specific, when three or more symbols of “BONUS” arerearranged in the matrix 156, a bonus is triggered and a gaming stateshifts from a base game to a bonus game. Further, when four or moresymbols of “BONUS” are displayed in the matrix 156, twenty coins (gamemedium) are paid out for one bet.

Here, a bonus game is a gaming state which provides a larger advantagethan a base game. In this embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. Thefree game is a game allowing a player to play a game a predeterminednumber of times without betting a coin. No particular limitation is puton the bonus game, as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to theplayer, that is, it is more advantageous than the base game. Forexample, the bonus game may include a state where more game media areobtainable than in the base game, a state where a game medium isobtainable with higher probability than in the base game, a state wherea game medium is less consumed than in the base game, and the like.Specifically, a free game, a second game, a feature game, and the likemay be mentioned as examples of the bonus game.

[Mechanical Structure of Gaming Machine 1]

Next, the following describes a specific example of mechanical andelectrical structures of the gaming machine 1 thus structured.

A gaming machine 1 is placed in a gaming facility such as a casino. Thisgaming machine 1 runs a unit game which involves a game medium. The gamemedium is a coin, bill, or a value in the form of electronicinformation. However, the game medium in the present invention is notparticularly limited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money,ticket or the like are also possible. Further, the ticket is notparticularly limited and may be a later-described ticket with a barcodeor the like ticket.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the gaming machine 1 includes: gamingterminals 3 which run a game independently from each other; a centercontroller 100 connected to the gaming terminals 3, which is incommunication with the gaming terminals 3 and runs a shared game; ashared display 102 which displays thereon an effect image related to theshared game; a rail 271 which supports the shared display 102 and allowsthe shared display 102 to move to a position immediately above one ofthe gaming terminals 3; and a not-shown drive motor 270 which causes theshared display 102 to move along the rail 271.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the gaming terminal 3 includes: a cabinet 11,a top box 12 provided above the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 providedon the front surface of the cabinet 11. The main door 13 has a lowerimage display panel 16. The lower image display panel 16 has atransparent liquid crystal panel for displaying various information. Thelower image display panel 16 displays display windows 151 to 155 (matrix156) for arranging therein symbols 180. Further, the lower image displaypanel 16 displays as needed various information and effect imagesrelated to a game.

The present embodiment deals with a case where the lower image displaypanel 16 electrically displays symbols 180 arranged in five rows/threecolumns. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

The lower image display panel 16 displays a single activated payline L.Note that the number of pay lines L may be two or more. When the numberof pay lines L is two or more, the number of pay lines L activated maybe determined according to a predetermined condition, such as the numberof coins placed as a BET.

Note that the lower image display panel 16 may have a credit valueindicator and a payout value indicator. The credit value indicatordisplays a total value (hereinafter also referred to as total creditvalue) which a gaming terminal 3 can pay out to a player. When symbolsstopped along a pay line L form a winning combination, the payout valueindicator displays the number of coins to be paid out.

Further, scatter symbols may be adopted, and the number of coins to bepaid out may be determined, according to the number of scatter symbolsdisplayed on the matrix 156. Note that the pay line L does notnecessarily have to be displayed.

Below the lower image display panel 16 provided are a control panel 20,a coin insertion slot 21, and a bill validator 22. The control panel 20is provided with various buttons 23 to 27. These buttons 23 to 27 allowa player to input instructions related to a game played by the player.Through the coin insertion slot 21, a coin is received in the cabinet11.

The control panel 20 includes: a spin button 23, a change button 24, acashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27. Thespin button 23 is for inputting an instruction to start symbolscrolling. The change button 24 is used to ask a staff person in thegaming facility for exchange of money. The cash out button 25 is forinputting an instruction to pay out coins corresponding to the totalcredit-value into the coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is used for betting one coin out of thosecorresponding to the total credit value. The maximum BET button 27 isused for betting, out of those corresponding to the total credit value,a maximum number of coins (e.g., fifty coins) which can be bet in onegame.

The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is genuine or not andreceives the genuine bill into the cabinet 11. Note that the billvalidator 22 is capable of reading a barcode attached to alater-mentioned ticket 39 having a barcode (hereinafter simply referredto as ticket 39). When the bill validator 22 reads the ticket 39, itoutputs to the main CPU 41 a read signal representing information havingread from the barcode.

On the lower front surface of the main door 13, that is, below thecontrol panel 20, a berry glass 34 is provided. On the belly glass, acharacter of a gaming terminal 3 or the like is drawn. On the frontsurface of top box 12 is provided an upper image display panel 33. Theupper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel and displays aneffect image, introduction to the game, rules of the game, or the like.

Further, the top box 12 has a speaker 29 for performing an audio output.Below the upper image display panel 33 are provided a ticket printer 35,a card reader 36, a data displayer 37, and a keypad 38. The ticketprinter 35 prints, on to a ticket, a barcode having encoded datacontaining credit-value, date and time, identification number of agaming terminal 3 or the like, thereby issuing a ticket 39 having abarcode attached thereto. A player can play a game in another gamingterminal 3 with the ticket 39 having the barcode, or exchange the ticket39 having the barcode with bill or the like at a change booth or thelike of the game arcade.

The card reader 36 reads/writes data from/into a smart card. The smartcard is carried by a player, and stores therein data for identifying theplayer, data relating to a history of games played by the player, or thelike.

The data displayer 37 includes a fluorescent display or the like, anddisplays the data read by the card reader 36 and the data input by theplayer through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 is for entering instructionsor data relating to issuing of a ticket or the like.

[Electrical Structure of Gaming Machine 1]

FIGS. 12 and 13 are block diagrams each illustrating an electricalstructure of the entire gaming machine 1.

[Electrical structure of Gaming Terminal 3]

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the entiregaming terminal 3. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the cabinet 11 includes acontrol unit having a terminal controller 110. The control unit includesa motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gamingboard 50, a door PCB 80, various switches, sensors, or the like.

The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51,a ROM 55, a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card53, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)54. The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 are connected to oneanother through an internal bus.

The memory card 53 stores therein a game program and a game systemprogram. The game program contains a stop symbol determining program.The stop symbol determining program determines symbols (code numbercorresponding to the symbol) to be stopped in the arrangement areas 150.This stop symbol determining program contains sets of symbol weightingdata respectively corresponding to various payout rates (e.g., 80%, 84%,88%). Each set of the symbol weighting data indicates, for each of thedisplay windows 151 to 155, a code number of each symbol and at leastone random numerical value allotted to the code number. The numericalvalue is a value within a predetermined range of 0 to 256 for example.

The payout rate is determined based on payout rate setting data outputfrom the GAL 54. Based on a set of the symbol weighting datacorresponding to the payout rate determined, a symbol to be stopped isdetermined.

The memory card 53 stores therein various types of data for use in thegame programs and the game system programs. For example, the memory card53 stores a table listing combinations of a symbol 180 to be displayedon the display windows 151 to 155 of FIG. 1 and an associated range ofrandom numerical values. This data is transferred to the RAM 43 of themotherboard 40, at the time of running a game programs.

The card slot 53S is structured so as to allow the memory card 53 to beattached/detached to/from the card slot 53S. This card slot 53S isconnected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus. Thus, the type andcontent of a game run by a gaming terminal 3 can be modified bydetaching the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, write a differentgame program and a different game system program into the memory card53, and inserting the memory card 53 back into the card slot 53S.

Each of the game programs includes a program related to the progress ofthe game and/or a program for causing a transition to a bonus game. Eachof the game programs includes image data and audio data output duringthe game.

The GAL 54 has input and output ports. When the GAL 54 receives data viathe input port, it outputs data corresponding to the input data from itsoutput port. This data from the output port is the payout rate settingdata described above.

IC socket 54S is structured so as to allow the GAL 54 to beattached/detached to/from the IC socket 54S. The IC socket 54S isconnected to the motherboard 40, via a PCI bus. Thus, the payout ratesetting data to be output from GAL 54 can be modified by: detaching theGAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, overwriting the program stored in the GAL54, and attaching the GAL 54 back to the IC socket 54S.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 connected through an internalbus are connected to the motherboard 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI buscommunicates signals between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. TheROM 55 stores country identification information and an authenticationprogram. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program anda program (boot code) for enabling the CPU 51 to run the preliminaryauthentication program.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program)for authenticating the game program and the game system program. Theauthentication program is a program for confirming and verifying thatthe game program and the game system program are not falsified. In otherwords, the authentication program is described in accordance with aprocedure for authenticating the game program and the game systemprogram. The preliminary authentication program is a program forauthenticating the authentication program. The preliminaryauthentication program is described in accordance with a procedure forverifying that the authentication program to be authenticated is notfalsified. In short, the preliminary authentication programauthenticates the authentication program.

The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41 (terminal controller110), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, anda communication interface 44.

The main CPU 41 serves as a terminal controller 110 and has a functionof controlling the entire gaming terminal 3. In particular, the main CPU41 controls the following operations: an operation of outputting asignal instructing variable-displaying of symbols 180 to the graphicboard 68, which is performed in response to pressing of the spin button23 after betting of credit; an operation of determining symbols 180 tobe stopped after the variable-displaying of symbols 180; and anoperation of stopping the symbols 180 thus determined in the displaywindow 151 to 155.

In other words, the main CPU 41 serves as an arrangement controllerwhich arranges symbols to form a new symbol matrix through scrolling ofsymbols displayed on the lower image display panel 16. This main CPU 41therefore determines symbols to be arranged in a symbol matrix byselecting symbols to be arranged from various kinds of symbols. Then,the main CPU 41 executes arrangement control to stop scrolling thesymbols to present the symbols thus determined.

The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) runby the main CPU 41, and permanently-used data. When the BIOS is run bythe main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices is initialized and the gameprogram and the game system program stored in the memory card 53 areread out through the gaming board 50. The RAM 43 stores data or aprogram used for the main CPU 41 to perform a process.

The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with a hostcomputer and the like equipped in the gaming facility, through thenetwork (communication line). The communication interface 44 is also forcommunicating with the center controller 100 through a communicationline. Further, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB80 are connected to the motherboard 40, through USB (Universal SerialBus). Further, the motherboard 40 is connected to a power unit 45. Thepower unit 45 supplies power to the motherboard 40 to boot the main CPU41 thereof. Meanwhile, the power unit 45 supplies power to the gamingboard 50 through the PCI bus to boot the CPU 51 thereof.

The main body PCB 60 and door PCB 80 are connected to various devices orunits which generate signals to be input to the main CPU 41, and variousdevices or units whose operations are controlled by signals from themain CPU 41. Based on a signal input to the main CPU 41, the main CPU 41runs the game program and the game system program stored in the RAM 43,to perform an arithmetic process. Then, the CPU 41 stores the result ofthe arithmetic process in the RAM 43, or transmits a control signal tothe various devices and units to control them based on the result.

The main body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, a hopper 66, a coinsensor 67, a graphic board 68, the speaker 29, a bill validator 22, aticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S, and a datadisplayer 37.

The lamp 30 is turned on/off on the basis of a control signal from themain CPU 41.

The hopper 66 as the payout awarding device 125 is mounted in thecabinet 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from a coinoutlet 19 to the coin tray 18, based on a control signal from the mainCPU 41. The coin sensor 67 is provided inside the coin outlet 19, andoutputs a signal to be input to the main CPU 41 upon sensing that apredetermined number of coins have been delivered from the coin outlet19.

The graphic board 68 controls image displaying of upper image displaypanel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based on a control signalfrom the main CPU 41. Further, the graphic board 68 is provided with aVDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data on the basis ofa control signal from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarilystoring the image data generated by the VDP, or the like. Note thatimage data used at the time of generating the image data by the VDP isin a game program which is read out from the memory card 53 and storedin the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 reads an image on the bill and takes only thoserecognized as to be genuine into the cabinet 11. When taking in agenuine bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal indicatingthe value of the bill to the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 stores intothe RAM 43 a credit-value corresponding to the value of the billindicated by the signal.

The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode on to a ticket to issue a ticket39 having the barcode. The barcode contains encoded data such ascredit-value stored in the RAM 43, date and time, identification numberof the gaming terminal 3, or the like, based on a control signal fromthe main CPU 41.

The card reader 36 reads out data from the smart card and transmits thedata to the main CPU 41. Further, the card reader 36 writes data intothe smart card based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41.The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs a signal tothe main CPU 41 in response to an operation of the keypad 38 by theplayer. The data displayer 37 displays, based on a control signal fromthe main CPU 41, the data read by the card reader 36 or the data inputby the player through the key pad 38.

The door PCB 80 is connected to a control panel 20, a reverter 21S, acoin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 isprovided with: a spin switch 23S associated with the spin button 23; achange switch 24S associated with the change button 24; a cashout switch25S associated with the cashout button 25; a 1-BET switch 26S associatedwith the 1-BET button 26; and a maximum BET switch 27S associated withthe maximum BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs asignal to the main CPU 41, when a player presses the associated button.

The coin counter 21C is provided within the coin insertion slot 21, andidentifies whether the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 12 bythe player is genuine. A coin except the genuine coin is discharged fromthe coin outlet 19. In addition, the coin counter 21C outputs an inputsignal to the main CPU 41 upon detection of a genuine coin.

The reverter 21S is operated on the basis of the control signal outputfrom the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which is recognized as agenuine coin by the coin counter 21C, to a not-shown cash box or hopper66 mounted in the gaming terminal 3. In other words, when the hopper 66is full of the coins, the genuine coin is distributed into the cash boxby the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not yetfull with the coins, the genuine coin is distributed into the hopper 66.The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sidesof the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel33. This cold cathode tube 81 turns on according to a control signalfrom the main CPU 41.

[Electrical Structure of Center Controller 100]

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of thecenter controller 100. The center controller 100 is provided thereinwith a control unit. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the control unitincludes a motherboard 240, a gaming board 260, an actuator, or thelike.

The gaming board 260 has the same structure as that of the gaming board50. The motherboard 240 has the same structure as that of themotherboard 40. The communication interface 244 communicates with theterminal controller 110 through a communication line.

The graphic board 268 has the same structure as that of the graphicboard 68, except in that the graphic board 268 controls image displayingof the shared display 102 based on a control signal from the main CPU241.

The drive motor 270 is a stepping motor and is connected to a not-showndrive wheel. The drive motor 270 is driven by a control signal from themain CPU 241, and rotates the drive wheel to move the shared display102.

[Operation of Gaming Machine 1: Boot Process]

The following describes a boot process routine which takes place in thegaming machine 1. Upon powering on the gaming machine 1, a boot processstarts in: the mother board 240 and gaming board 260 in the centercontroller 100, and in the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 inthe terminal controller 110. The memory cards 53 and 263 are assumed tobe inserted into the card slots 53S and 263S of the gaming boards 50 and260, respectively. Further, the GALs 54 and 264 are assumed to beattached to the IC sockets 54S and 264S, respectively.

First, turning on the power switch of (powering on) the power units 45and 245 boots the motherboards 40 and 240, and the gaming boards 50 and260. Booting the motherboards 40 and 240 and the gaming boards 50 and260 starts separate processes in parallel. Specifically, the CPUs 51 and261 read out preliminary authentication programs stored in the boot ROMs52 and 262, respectively. Then, preliminary authentication is performedaccording to the read out programs so as to confirm and authenticatethat no modification is made to authentication programs, before readingthem in the motherboards 40 and 240, respectively (S1). Meanwhile, themain CPUs 41 and 241 of the motherboards 40 and 240 run BIOS stored inthe ROMs 42 and 242 to load into the RAMs 43 and 243 compressed databuilt in the BIOS, respectively (S2). Then, the main CPUs 41 and 241 runa procedure of the BIOS according to the data loaded into the RAMs 43and 243 so as to diagnose and initialize various peripheral devices(S3).

The main CPUs 41 and 241, which are respectively connected to the ROMs55 and 265 of the gaming boards 50 and 260 via PCI buses, read outauthentication programs stored in the ROMs 55 and 265 and stores them inthe RAMs 43 and 243 (S4). During this step, the main CPUs 41 and 241each derives a checksum through ADDSUM method (a standard checkfunction) which is adopted in a standard BIOS, and store theauthentication programs into RAMs 43 and 243 while confirming if theoperation of storing is carried out without an error.

Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 each checks what connects to the IDE bus.Then, the main CPUs 41 and 241 access, via the IDE buses, to the memorycards 53 and 263 inserted into the card slots 53S and 263S, and read outgame programs and game system programs from the memory cards 53 and 263,respectively. In this case, the CPUs 41 and 241 each reads out fourbytes of data constituting the game program and the game system programat one time. Next, the CPUs 41 and 241 authenticate the game program andthe game system program read out to confirm and prove that theseprograms are not modified (S5).

When the authentication properly ends, the main CPUs 41 and 241 writeand store the authenticated game programs and game system programs inRAMs 43 and 243 (S6).

Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 access, via the PCI buses, to the GALs 54and 264 attached to the IC socket 54S•264S, and read out payout ratesetting data from the GALs 54 and 264, respectively. The payout ratesetting data read out is then written and stored in the RAMs 43 and 243(S7).

Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 read out, via the PCI buses, countryidentification information stored in the ROMs 55 and 265 of the gamingboards 50 and 265, respectively. The country identification informationread out is then stored in the RAMs 43 and 243 (S8).

After this, the main CPU 41 and 241 each performs an initial process ofFIG. 15.

[operation of Gaming Machine 1: Initial Process]

The following describes an initial process which takes place in thegaming machine 1. When the boot process of FIG. 14 is completed, thecenter controller 100 reads out from the RAM 243 a center side initialsetting routine illustrated in FIG. 15 and executes the routine.Meanwhile, the gaming terminal 3 reads out from the RAM 43 a terminalside initial setting routine illustrated in FIG. 15 and executes theroutine. The center side and terminal side initial setting routines areexecuted in parallel.

First, the main CPU 41 of each of the gaming terminals 3 checksoperations of work memories such as the RAM 43, various sensors, variousdriving mechanisms, and various decorative illuminations (A1). Then, themain CPU 41 determines if all the check results are normal (A2).

If the main CPU 41 determines that the check results contains an error(A2: NO), the main CPU 41 outputs a signal notifying the error(hereinafter, error signal) to the center controller 100 (A3). Further,the main CPU 41 reports the error in the form of illuminating the lamp30 or the like (A4), and then ends the routine

On the other hand in A2, if the main CPU 41 determines that all thecheck results are normal (A2: YES), an initial setting signal is outputto the center controller 100 (A5). Then, an initial setting signal iswaited from the center controller 100 (A6, A7: NO).

The main CPU 241 of the center controller 100 receives signals from eachof the terminals (B1). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether asignal received is an error signal (B2). If the main CPU 241 determinesthat the signal is an error signal (B2: YES), the main CPU 241 outputsthe error signal to a server of a not-shown host computer or the like(B9) to report the error (B10), and ends the routine.

On the other hand in B2, if the main CPU 241 determines that the signalis not an error signal (B2:NO), the main CPU 241 determines whether apredetermined time (check time) has elapsed from the time of powering on(B3). If the main CPU 241 determines that the check time has elapsed(B3: YES), B9 is executed. On the other hand, if the main CPU 241determines that the check time has not yet elapsed (B3:NO), it isdetermined whether an initial setting signal is received from each ofthe gaming terminals 3 (B4). If the main CPU 241 determines that aninitial setting signal from any one of the gaming terminals 3 is notreceived (B4: NO), the process returns to B1. On the other hand, if itis determined that initial setting signals from all the gaming terminals3 are received (B4: YES), the main CPU 241 checks operations of workmemories such as RAM 243 or the like, various sensors, various drivingmechanisms, and various decorative illuminations (B5). Then, the mainCPU 241 determines whether all the check results are normal (B6). If themain CPU 241 determines the check results contain an error (B6: NO), themain CPU 241 executes B9.

On the other hand in B6, if the main CPU 241 determines that all thecheck results are normal (B6: YES), the main CPU 241 outputs an initialsetting signal to all the gaming terminals 3 (B7), and causes the shareddisplay 102 to display a demo-screen (B8). Then, the main CPU 241 endsthe routine.

In A7, the main CPU 41 of each of the gaming terminals 3 determines thatan initial setting signal is received from the center controller 100(A7: YES), and causes the terminal display 101 to display a demo-screen(A7). The main CPU 41 then ends the routine.

[Operation of Gaming Terminal 3: Terminal Process Routine]

After the terminal side initial setting routine of FIG. 15, the main CPU41 of the gaming terminal 3 performs a terminal process routine of FIG.16. Through this terminal process routine, a game is run.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the terminal process routine, it isdetermined whether a coin is bet (C1). In this step, it is determinedwhether a signal from the 1-BET switch 26S entered by pressing of the1-BET button 26 is received. Meanwhile, it is determined whether asignal from the maximum BET switch 27S entered by pressing of themaximum BET button 27 is received. If no coin is BET (C1: NO), C1 isrepeated until a coin is bet.

On the other hand, if a coin is bet (C1: YES), the credit value storedin the RAM 43 is reduced according to the number of coins bet (C2). Whenthe number of coins bet surpasses the number of coins equivalent to thecredit value stored in the RAM 43, C2 is repeated without the reductionof the credit value. When the number of coins bet exceeds the maximumnumber of coins bettable one game (50 pieces in this embodiment), theprocess goes to a later-described step C3 without the reduction of thecredit value.

Then, it is determined whether a spin button 23 is pressed (C3). If thespin button 23 is not pressed (C3: NO), the process returns to C1. Here,if the spin button 23 is not pressed (for example, the spin button 23 isnot pressed but a command to end the game is input), the reduction ofthe credit value in C2 is canceled.

On the other hand, when the spin button 23 is pressed (C3: YES), aprogressive transmission process is executed (C4). In other words, aprogressive signal indicating a part of the game value bet istransmitted to the center controller 100.

Next executed is a symbol determining process (C5). That is, the stopsymbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is run to determinesymbols 180 to be arranged in the matrix 156. Through this, a symbolcombination to be formed along the payline L is determined.

Then, the scrolling process is executed to scroll symbols 180 on theterminal display 101 (C6). The scrolling process is a process in whichthe symbols 180 determined in C5 are stopped (rearranged) in the matrix156 after scrolling of symbols 180 in a direction indicated by an arrowsymbol.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether a shared game is running (C7). If ashared game start signal is received from the center controller 100, theCPU 41 determines that the shared game is running. If the CPU 41determines that the shared game is running (C7: YES), a terminal symbolarrangement signal is transmitted to the center controller 100 (C12).The terminal symbol arrangement signal indicates symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of the symbols 180(terminal symbol arrangement). Next, the main CPU 41 receives acombination symbol arrangement signal from the center controller 100(C13). The combination symbol arrangement signal indicates a combinationsymbol arrangement 190 determined by the center controller 100 based onthe terminal symbol arrangement signal resulting from C12. Next, themain CPU 41 causes the terminal display 101 to scroll the frame. Then,the main CPU 41 stops scrolling the frame so as to present in the framethe combination symbol arrangement 190 received in C12 (C14). On theother hand in C7, if it is determined that no shared game is running(C7: NO), C8 is executed.

Next, it is determined whether symbols 180 rearranged in the matrix 156form a winning combination (C8). If the symbols 180 forms a winningcombination (C8: YES), a payout process is executed (C9). Morespecifically, when a winning combination is formed, the number of coinsaccording to the combination is calculated. On the other hand in C8, ifit is determined that no winning combination is formed (C8: NO), C10 isexecuted.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether a progressive award signal isreceived from the center controller 100 (C10). If the CPU 41 determinesthat a progressive award signal is received (C10:YES), a payout isawarded according to the progressive award signal (C11). The processthen returns to C1. On the other hand in C10, if the CPU 41 determinesthat no progressive award signal is received (C10: NO), the processreturns to C1.

[Operation of Center Controller 100: Center Process Routine]

After the center side initial setting routine of FIG. 15, the main CPU241 of the center controller 100 executes a center process routine ofFIG. 17. The main CPU 241 performs the center process routine to run ashared game.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, in the center process routine, the main CPU241 determines whether a progressive signal is received from a gamingterminal 3 (D1). If the main CPU 241 determines that a progressivesignal is received (D1:YES), a game value indicated by the progressivesignal is stored and summed (D2). The process then returns to D1.

On the other hand in D1, if the main CPU 241 determines no progressivesignal is received (D1: NO), the main CPU 241 determines if theprogressive value equals or surpasses a predetermined value (D3). If themain CPU 241 determines that the progressive value is less than thepredetermined value (D3: NO), the process returns to D1. On the otherhand, if the main CPU 241 determines that the progressive value equalsor surpasses the predetermined value (D3: YES), a shared game startsignal is output to each of the gaming terminals 3 (D4). Next, the mainCPU 241 causes the shared display 102 to start scrolling symbols 180(D5). Next, a terminal symbol arrangement signal is received from eachof the gaming terminals 3 (D6). Based on the terminal symbol arrangementsignal, a combination symbol arrangement 190 is determined. Thecombination symbol arrangement 190 thus determined is sent back to thegaming terminals 3 (D7).

Next, the main CPU 241 combines at least two combination symbolarrangements 190 determined in D7, and tries to determine symbols 180and an arrangement of the symbols 180 to be arranged in the arrangementareas 250 of the shared display 102 (D8). If an arrangement is notdetermined (D8: NO), the process returns to D6. On the other hand, if anarrangement is determined (D8: YES), the scrolling of the symbols 180 onthe shared display 102 is stopped to present the arrangement determined(D9).

Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether the symbols 180 arranged onthe shared display 102 forms a winning combination (D10). If the mainCPU 241 determines that no winning combination is formed (D10: NO), theprocess returns to D1. On the other hand, if the main CPU 241 determinesthat a winning combination is formed (D10:YES), a later-mentionedprogressive award process routine is called to be executed (D11). Whenthe progressive award process ends, a progressive value consumed issubtracted from the value stored in RAM 243 (D12), and the processreturns to D1.

[Operation of Center Controller 100: Progressive Award Process Routine]

The following describes a progressive award process routine which iscalled during execution of the center side initial setting routine.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, when the progressive award process routine isstarted, the main CPU 241 displays an effect 195 indicating that aprogressive payout is awarded on the shared display 102 (E1). Then, themain CPU 241 displays an effect 196 indicating that a distribution ofthe progressive payout for each of the gaming terminals is beingdetermined (E2). Then, the main CPU 241 specifies a combination symbolarrangement 190 of each of the gaming terminals 3 (E3).

Then, the main CPU 241 calculates respective contribution levels of thespecified combination symbol arrangements 190, wherein each of thecontribution level (contribution value) is a level at which onearrangement 190 contributes to the determination of awarding theprogressive payout (E4). Then, the main CPU 241 determines adistribution of the progressive payout for each of the gaming terminals3, based on the calculated contribution value (E5). Then, the main CPU241 displays an effect 197 indicating that the distribution of theprogressive payout for each of the gaming terminals 3 has beendetermined (E6). Then, the main CPU 241 outputs an instruction signal toeach of the gaming terminals 3 for awarding a progressive payout basedon the determined distribution (E7).

As is already mentioned, a payout awarded according to a relation amongthe symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102 realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal 3.

Thus, distributions of the payout are determined based on contributionrates of the combined symbol arrangements 190 of the symbols 180. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic.

Additionally, different amounts of distribution are given to the gamingterminals 3 by determining distributions of the payout based on at leasttwo different amounts of distribution. Therefore, a new entertainmentcharacteristic is realized.

Further, when a payout is determined to be awarded, the effect 195indicating that the payout is awarded is displayed on the shared display102. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives aplayer more concrete expectation for a payout according to the relationamong the symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102.

Further, as is already mentioned, a single game involving a plurality ofgaming terminals is created by rearranging, on the shared display 102,symbols 180 identical to those in one symbol arrangement 190 of onegaming terminal 3 in combination with symbols 180 identical to those inanother symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, wherein theone arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other arrangement 190includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the othergaming terminal 3. This realizes a new entertainment characteristicwhich gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participatingplayers.

Further, as is already mentioned, the symbols 180 identical to those inthe one symbol arrangement 190 and the symbols 180 identical to those inthe other symbol arrangement 190 are combined and rearranged, on the rowor column basis, on the shared display 102. A player therefore is ableto easily understand how rearranged symbols on the terminal displays 101are combined and rearranged on the shared display 102. Thischaracteristic enhances the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” among theplayers.

Further, on the shared display 102 are rearranged the symbols 180identical to those in the one symbol arrangement 190 and the symbols 180identical to those in the other symbol arrangement 190, the symbols 180of the other symbol arrangement 190 being in different positions fromthose of the one symbol arrangement 190. A player therefore is able toeasily understand how rearranged symbols on another terminal display 101are combined and rearranged on the shared display 102. Thischaracteristic enhances the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” among theplayers.

Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where the centercontroller 100 determines a combination symbol arrangement based on aterminal symbol arrangement. However, the present invention is notlimited to this. For example, it may be the terminal controller 110which determines a combination symbol arrangement based on a terminalsymbol arrangement.

Note further that the number of gaming terminals 3 is three in thepresent embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited tothis, provided that at least two gaming terminals 3 are provided.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabovemainly focused on characteristics thereof for the purpose of easierunderstanding; however, the scope of the present invention shall beconstrued as broadly as possible, encompassing various forms of otherpossible embodiments, and therefore the present invention shall not belimited to the above description. Further, the terms and phraseologyused in the present specification are adopted solely to provide specificillustration of the present invention, and in no case should the scopeof the present invention be limited by such terms and phraseology.Further, it will be obvious for those skilled in the art that the otherstructures, systems, methods or the like are possible, within the spiritof the invention described in the present specification. The descriptionof claims therefore shall encompass structures equivalent to the presentinvention, unless otherwise such structures are regarded as to departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, theabstract is provided to allow, through a simple investigation, quickanalysis of the technical features and essences of the present inventionby an intellectual property office, a general public institution, or oneskilled in the art who is not fully familiarized with patent and legalor professional terminology. It is therefore not an intention of theabstract to limit the scope of the present invention which shall beconstrued on the basis of the description of the claims. To fullyunderstand the object and effects of the present invention, it isstrongly encouraged to sufficiently refer to disclosures of documentsalready made available.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinaboveincludes a process executed on a computer or computer network. The abovedescriptions and expressions are provided to allow the one skilled inthe art to most efficiently understand the present invention. A processperformed in or by respective steps yielding one result or blocks with apredetermined processing function described in the present specificationshall be understood as a process with no self-contradiction. Further,the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written inthe respective steps or blocks. It should be noted that such a signal isexpressed in the form of bit, value, symbol, text, terms, number, or thelike solely for the sake of convenience. Although the presentspecification occasionally personifies the processes performed in thesteps or blocks, these processes are essentially executed by variousdevices. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocksare obvious from the above descriptions.

Second Embodiment

The following describes a second embodiment of a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof according to the present invention. Note thatreference numbers and symbols given to members and steps of flowchartsare only applicable to those described within the present embodiment,and do not represent the members or the steps of the other embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, a gaming machine 1 includes a plurality ofgaming terminals 3 and a shared display 102, and executes a playingmethod including the steps of: arranging symbols 180 in arrangementareas 150 of each of the gaming terminals 3 based on running of a game;awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150; combining an arrangement 190 ofone gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of another gamingterminal 3, and rearranging on the shared display 102 symbols 180identical to those in the one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement190, wherein the one arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the otherarrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas150 of the other gaming terminal 3; determining whether to award apayout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on theshared display 102; when the payout is determined to be awarded, causingthe conveying device 127 to transfer the shared display 102 betweenpositions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals 3; when thepayout is determined to be awarded, determine one of the gamingterminals 3, based on contribution rates of the combination symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180, wherein each of the contributionrates is a rate at which one arrangement 190 contributes to adetermination of awarding the payout (such a rate is hereinafter simplyreferred to as contribution rate); causing the conveying device 127 totransfer the shared display 102 to the position corresponding to thedetermined one gaming terminal 3; after detecting that the shareddisplay 102 has arrived at the position corresponding to the determinedone gaming terminal 3, displaying an effect 197 indicating thedetermined one gaming terminal 3 on the shared display 102; and causingthe payout awarding device 125 of the determined one gaming terminal 3to award the payout.

The “arranging” in this specification means a state where the symbols180 can be visually observed by a player. That is, the wording means astate where the symbols 180 are displayed in the arrangement areas 150,in FIG. 19. Arranging the symbols 180 again after dismissing the symbols180 is referred to as “rearranging”.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the arrangement areas 150 are areas of aterminal display 101 where symbols 180 are arranged. The arrangementareas 150 form display windows 151 to 155 as illustrated in FIG. 19. Forexample, arrangement areas 151 a, 151 b, and 151 c form the displaywindow 151. Further, the display windows 151 to 155 form a matrix 156.The matrix 156, in other words, is formed with the plurality ofarrangement areas 150 arranged in a matrix.

Further, “scatter symbols” are such symbols which provide advantages toa player when a predetermined number or more of them are displayed inthe matrix 156. For example, the advantages includes: a state wherecoins corresponding to the scatter symbols are paid out, a state wherethe number of coins to be paid out is added to a credit, a state where abonus game is started.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the gaming machine 1 which executes theplaying method has the shared display 102, a center controller 100, andgaming terminals 3. Each of the gaming terminals 3 includes a terminaldisplay 101, a terminal controller 110, a payout awarding device 125, aconveying device 127, and a position sensor 128.

The conveying device 127 has a later-mentioned drive motor 270 and alater-mentioned rail 271. The conveying device 127 supports the shareddisplay 102 and transfers the shared display 102 to positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals 3. A specific structureof the conveying device 127 will be detailed later.

The position sensor 128 detects that the shared display 102 has arrivedat a position corresponding to a gaming terminal 3. A specific structureof the position sensor 128 will be detailed later.

[Terminal Controller 100]

The terminal controller 110 executes: a first process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in arrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing; a secondprocess of awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 180; a third process of, when apredetermined condition is met, transmitting information of symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of therearranged symbols 180 to the center controller 100; and a fourthprocess of causing the payout awarding device 125 to award a payoutbased on an instruction from the center controller 100. In other words,the terminal controller 110 has a first processing unit, a secondprocessing unit, a third processing unit, and a fourth processing unit.

The terminal controller 110 is connected to the center controller 100and is in communication with the center controller 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the terminal controller 110 is connected to agame starting unit 111. The game starting unit 111 has a function ofoutputting a game start signal, in response to an operation by theplayer. The game start signal output is then input to a later-describedgame running unit 112.

Further, the terminal controller 110 is connected to a BET unit 109. TheBET unit 109 has functions of receiving a bet entered through anoperation by the player, and outputting a BET signal in response to thebet entered. The BET signal output is input to a later-described gamerunning unit 112.

The terminal controller 110 includes: a game running unit 112, arearrangement symbol determining unit 113, a terminal display controlunit 114, and a payout award control unit 124. The game running unit 112runs a base game, triggered by a game start signal from the gamestarting unit 111. In the base game, symbols 180 are rearranged in thearrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. Further, the terminalcontroller 110 outputs a progressive signal, triggered by the game startsignal. The progressive signal is a signal indicating a game value.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines, based on thestate of game run by the game running unit 112, a plurality of symbols180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement ofthe symbols 180 (hereinafter, terminal symbol arrangement). The terminalcontroller 110 then transmits information of the terminal symbolarrangement to the center controller 100, through a control performed bythe game running unit 112.

The terminal display control unit 114 displays the symbols 180 on theterminal display 101 under control of the game running unit 112 and onthe basis of a determination of the rearrangement symbol determiningunit 113. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

Further, the terminal controller 110 includes a not-shown payout awarddetermining unit. The payout award determining unit determines whetherto award a payout, based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. The payoutaward control unit 124 causes the payout awarding device 125 to award apayout, based on a determination of the payout award determining unitand an instruction from the center controller 100.

Meanwhile, each block of the terminal controller 110 may be realizedwith hardware or with software as needed.

[Operation of Terminal Controller 110]

The following describes an operation of the terminal controller 100 inthe above structure. First, the BET unit 109 accepts a BET enteredthrough an operation by a player. Then, in response to the operation,the game starting unit 111 outputs a game start signal to cause the gamerunning unit 112 to start a base game. When the base game is started,the rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180 (terminal symbol arrangement). The symbols 180 to berearranged and the terminal symbol arrangement are determined at everybase game. The symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symboldetermining unit 113 undergo an image processing in the terminal displaycontrol unit 114, and are displayed on the terminal display 101. Theterminal display control unit 114 rearranges the symbols 180 in thearrangement areas 150, according to the arrangement determined. Thus,the terminal controller 110 executes the first process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in the arrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing.

Further, a not-shown payout determining unit determines whether to awarda payout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150. When the payout determining unit determines toaward a payout, the payout award control unit 124 causes the payoutawarding device 125 to award a payout. Thus, the terminal controller 110executes the second process of awarding a payout according to a relationamong the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150.

Further, the terminal controller 110 transmits, to the center controller100, symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit113 and an arrangement of the symbols 180, based on a predeterminedcondition. An example of such a condition is a shared game being run, orthe like condition. Thus, the terminal controller 110 executes the thirdprocess of, when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting symbols180 determined and an arrangement of the symbols 180 to the centercontroller 100.

Further, the payout award control unit 124 causes the payout awardingdevice 125 to award a progressive payout based on an instruction fromthe center controller 100. Thus, the terminal controller 110 executesthe fourth process of causing the payout awarding device 125 to award apayout based on an instruction from the center controller 100.

[Center Controller 100]

The center controller 100 executes: a fifth process of, when thepredetermined condition is met, receiving symbols 180 and an arrangementof the symbols 180 from one or more terminal controllers 110; a sixthprocess of combining one symbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3with another symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, andrearranging, on the shared display 102, symbols 180 identical to thosein the one symbol arrangement 190 and the other symbol arrangement 190,wherein the one symbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the othersymbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the other gaming terminal 3; a seventh process ofdetermining whether to award a payout according to a relation among thesymbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102; an eighth process of,when the payout is determined to be awarded, causing the conveyingdevice 127 to transfer the shared display 102 between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals 3; a ninth process of,when the payout is determined to be awarded, determine one of the gamingterminals 3, based on contribution rates of the combination symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180; a tenth process of causing theconveying device 127 to transfer the shared display 102 to the positioncorresponding to the determined one gaming terminal 3; an eleventhprocess of, after detecting that the shared display 102 has arrived atthe position corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal 3,displaying an effect 197 indicating the determined one gaming terminal 3on the shared display 102; and a twelfth process of instructing theterminal controller 110 of the determined one gaming terminal 3 to awardthe payout. In other words, the terminal controller 100 includes a fifthprocess unit, a sixth process unit, a seventh process unit, an eighthprocess unit, a ninth process unit, a tenth process unit, an eleventhprocess unit, and a twelfth process unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the center controller 100 is connected to theterminal controller 110 and is in communication with the terminalcontroller 110.

The center controller 100 includes: a progressive storage unit 115, ashared game starting unit 116, a shared game running unit 117, arearrangement symbol determining unit 118, a combination symboldetermining unit 119, a shared display control unit 120, a payoutdetermining unit 121, a payout-targeted gaming terminal determining unit123, and a convey control unit 126.

The progressive storage unit 115 stores and sums up a game valueindicated by a progressive signal received from the terminal controller110. The shared game starting unit 116 outputs a shared game startsignal, when the predetermined condition is met. The shared game startsignal output is input to a later-mentioned shared game running unit117. For example, meeting the predetermined situation means a situationwhere a game value stored in the progressive storage unit 115 sums up toa predetermined value or greater.

The shared game running unit 117 runs a shared game, triggered by theshared game start signal received from the shared game starting unit116. In the shared game, symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangementareas 250 of the shared display 102.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 receives information of aterminal symbol arrangement from each of two or more terminalcontrollers 110. Based on the information of the terminal symbolarrangement received, the combination symbol determining unit 119selects symbols 180 and determines an arrangement of the symbols 180(hereinafter, combination symbol arrangement 190). In other words, thecombination symbol arrangement 190 determines at least two combinationsymbol arrangements 190.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 250 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180, by combining the at least two combination symbolarrangements 190.

The shared display control unit 120 displays the symbols 180 on theshared display 102 under control of the shared game running unit 117 andon the basis of a determination of the rearrangement symbol determiningunit 118. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

Further, when a later-described payout determining unit 121 determinesto award a progressive payout, the shared display control unit 120displays effects 195 and 196 indicating that the progressive payout isawarded on the shared display.

Further, when the shared display 102 has arrived at the positioncorresponding to the one gaming terminal 3 determined by thepayout-targeted gaming terminal determining unit 123, the shared displaycontrol unit 120 displays an effect 197 indicating the determined onegaming terminal 3 on the shared display 102.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 250 of the shared display 102. Thepayout-targeted gaming terminal determining unit 123 determines one ofthe gaming terminals 3, when the payout determining unit 121 determinesto award the progressive payout. The payout-targeted gaming terminaldetermining unit 123 may determine one of the gaming terminals 3, basedon calculated contribution rates of the combination symbol arrangements190. Further, the payout-targeted gaming terminal determining unit 123outputs an instruction to the terminal controller 110 of the determinedgaming terminal 3 so that a progressive payout is awarded.

The convey control unit 126 transfers the shared display 102 bycontrolling the conveying device 127. When the payout determining unit121 determines to award the progressive payout, the convey control unit126 reciprocates the shared display 102 between positions correspondingto the respective gaming terminals 3. Further, when the payout-targetedgaming terminal determining unit 123 determines one of the gamingterminals 3, the convey control unit 126 transfers the shared display102 to the position corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal3.

Meanwhile, each block of the center controller 100 may be realized withhardware or with software as needed.

[Operation of Center Controller 100]

The following describes an operation of the center controller 100 in theabove structure. First, the game value is stored and summed in theprogressive storage unit 115. A shared game starts when the stored gamevalue sums up to a predetermined value or greater. The combinationsymbol determining unit 119, during the shared game, receivesinformation of a terminal symbol arrangement from the terminalcontroller 110. Thus, the center controller 100 executes the fifthprocess of receiving, when a predetermined condition is met, symbols 180and arrangements thereof (terminal symbol arrangements) from theterminal controllers 110.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 determines at least twocombination symbol arrangements 190 based on the terminal symbolarrangement received. Further, the combination symbol determining unit119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements 190based on symbols 180 and arrangement thereof in different positions ofthe arrangement areas 150. Further, the combination symbol determiningunit 119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements190 on the row or column basis.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 250 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180, by combining the at least two combination symbolarrangements 190.

The symbols determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit 118undergo image processing performed in the shared display control unit120, and are displayed on the shared display 102. According to thearrangement thus determined, the shared display control unit 120rearranges the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 250. Thus, thecenter controller 100 executes the sixth process of combining one symbolarrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3 with another symbol arrangement190 of another gaming terminal 3, and rearranging, on the shared display102, symbols 180 identical to those in the one symbol arrangement 190and the other symbol arrangement 190, wherein the one symbol arrangement190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of theone gaming terminal 3, and the other symbol arrangement 190 includes thesymbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the other gamingterminal 3.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout, according to a relation of the symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 250. In other words, the centercontroller 100 executes the seventh process of determining whether toaward a payout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedon the shared display 102.

When the progressive payout is determined to be awarded, the conveyingdevice 127 reciprocates the the shared display 102 between positionscorresponding to the gaming terminals 3. Thus, the center controller 100executes the eighth process of, when the payout is determined to beawarded, causing the conveying device 127 to transfer the shared display102 between positions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals3.

When the payout determining unit 121 determines to award the progressivepayout, the payout-targeted gaming terminal determining unit 123determines one of the gaming terminals 3. The payout-targeted gamingterminal determining unit 123 calculates contribution rates of thecombination symbol arrangements 190. The payout-targeted gaming terminaldetermining unit 123 determines one of the gaming terminals 3, based onthe calculated contribution rates. Thus, the center controller 100executes the ninth process of, when the payout is determined to beawarded, determining one of the gaming terminals 3, based oncontribution rates of the combined symbol arrangements 190 of thesymbols 180.

When one of the gaming terminals 3 for awarding the progressive payoutis determined, the conveying device 127 transfers the shared display 102to the position corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal 3.Thus, the center controller 100 executes the tenth process of causingthe conveying device 127 to transfer the shared display 102 to theposition corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal 3.

When the shared display 102 has arrived at the position corresponding tothe determined one gaming terminal 3, the position sensor 128 detectsthat the shared display 102 has arrived at the position. Then, on theshared display 102 is displayed an effect 197 indicating the determinedone gaming terminal 3. Thus, the center controller 100 executes theeleventh process of, after detecting that the shared display 102 hasarrived at the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal 3, displaying an effect 197 indicating the determined onegaming terminal 3 on the shared display 102.

When one of the gaming terminals 3 is determined, the payout-targetedgaming terminal determining unit 123 outputs an instruction to theterminal controller 110 of the determined gaming terminal 3 so that aprogressive payout is awarded. Thus, the center controller 100 executesthe twelfth process of instructing the terminal controller 110 of thedetermined one gaming terminal 3 to award the payout.

The above can be rephrased as follows. The center controller 100 causesthe terminal controllers 110 to perform the first process so as toexecute a thirteenth process of rearranging symbols 180 in thearrangement areas 150 based on running of a game in the gaming terminals3.

As is obvious from the above operation, the gaming machine 1 includes aplurality of gaming terminals 3 and a shared display 102, and realizes aplaying method including the steps of: rearranging symbols 180 inarrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing; awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150; transmitting to the center controller 100, thesymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangementof the symbols 180, when a predetermined condition is met; receiving,from terminal controllers 110, symbols 180 and arrangements thereof,when a predetermined condition is met; <!> combining an arrangement 190of one gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of another gamingterminal 3, and rearranging on the shared display 102 symbols 180identical to those in the one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement190, wherein the one arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the otherarrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas150 of the other gaming terminal 3; determining whether to award apayout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on theshared display 102; when the payout is determined to be awarded, causingthe conveying device 127 to transfer the shared display 102 betweenpositions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals 3; when thepayout is determined to be awarded, determine one of the gamingterminals 3, based on contribution rates of the combination symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180; causing the conveying device 127 totransfer the shared display 102 to the position corresponding to thedetermined one gaming terminal 3; after detecting that the shareddisplay 102 has arrived at the position corresponding to the determinedone gaming terminal 3, displaying an effect 197 indicating thedetermined one gaming terminal 3 on the shared display 102; instructingthe terminal controller 110 of the determined one gaming terminal 3 toaward the payout; and causing the payout awarding device 125 to awardthe payout based on an instruction from the center controller 100.

This can be rephrased as follows. The gaming machine 1 includes aplurality of gaming terminals 3 and a shared display 102, and realizes aplaying method including the steps of: rearranging symbols 180 inarrangement areas 150 based on running of a game; awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150; combining an arrangement 190 of one gamingterminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3,and rearranging on the shared display 102 symbols 180 identical to thosein the one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement 190, wherein theone arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other arrangement 190includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the othergaming terminal 3; determining whether to award a payout according to arelation among the symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102;when the payout is determined to be awarded, causing the conveyingdevice 127 to transfer the shared display 102 between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals 3; when the payout isdetermined to be awarded, determine one of the gaming terminals 3, basedon contribution rates of the combination symbol arrangements 190 of thesymbols 180; causing the conveying device 127 to transfer the shareddisplay 102 to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal 3; after detecting that the shared display 102 has arrived atthe position corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal 3,displaying an effect 197 indicating the determined one gaming terminal 3on the shared display 102; and causing the payout awarding device 125 ofthe determined one gaming terminal 3 to award the payout.

According to the above playing method, symbols are arranged at apredetermined timing in the arrangement areas 150 on a terminal display101 of a gaming terminal 3. Then, a payout is awarded according to thesymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150. When apredetermined condition is met, symbols 180 identical to those in onesymbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3 are rearranged on theshared display 102 in combination with symbols 180 identical to those inanother symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, wherein theone arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other arrangement 190includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the othergaming terminal 3. Then, whether to award a payout is determinedaccording to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on the shareddisplay 102. When the payout is determined to be awarded, the shareddisplay is transferred between positions corresponding to the respectivegaming terminals 3. When the payout is determined to be awarded, one ofthe gaming terminals 3 is determined based on contribution rates of thecombined symbol arrangements 190 of the symbols 180. The shared displayis transferred to the position corresponding to the determined onegaming terminal. After detecting that the shared display has arrived atthe position corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal, on theshared display is displayed an effect indicating the determined onegaming terminal. The payout awarding device 125 of the determined onegaming terminal 3 awards the payout. This payout awarded through theonly one gaming terminal according to the relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for another payoutawarded through the only one gaming terminal in addition to the oneawarded as a result of the game run in the gaming terminal. Further,when the payout is determined to be awarded, the shared display istransferred between positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals and subsequently transferred to the position corresponding tothe determined one gaming terminal for awarding the payout. Then, on theshared display is displayed an effect indicating the determined onegaming terminal. This allows players to visually recognize transfers ofthe shared display and therefore realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for which gamingterminal the payout is awarded through. Further, an effect indicatingthe determined one gaming terminal is displayed after the shared displayhas arrived at the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal. This prevents a loss in expectation for a payout, which iscaused by transferring the shared display while displaying thereon theeffect. Therefore, a new entertainment characteristic is realized.Further, one of the gaming terminals for awarding the payout isdetermined based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements of the symbols. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic. Further, a single game is created with the use of aplurality of gaming terminals by rearranging, on the shared display, thesymbols identical to those in the symbol arrangement of the one gamingterminal in combination with the symbols identical to those in the othersymbol arrangement of the other gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of“unity” and “sharing” to participating players.

[Display State of Shared Display 102 and Transfer State of SharedDisplay 102]

The following details an exemplary display state of the shared display102 during the operations of the gaming machine 1 and the playing methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where theshared display 102 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a videoreel in the form of an image, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

When the progressive payout is determined to be awarded, on the shareddisplay 102 is displayed an effect 196 indicating that the progressivepayout is awarded, as is illustrated in the upper view and the middleview of FIG. 21. The effect 196 is a message image indicating that theprogressive payout is awarded through only one gaming terminal 3 andthat the payout-targeted gaming terminal 3 is presently beingdetermined. Simultaneously, the above payout-targeted gaming terminaldetermining unit 123 is determining one of the gaming terminals 3.

Further, when the progressive payout is determined to be awarded, theshared display 102 reciprocates between an upper side of a gaminingterminal 3 which is given a terminal number 1, an upper side of agamining terminal 3 which is given a terminal number 2, and an upperside of a gamining terminal 3 which is given a terminal number 3, as isillustrated in the upper view of FIG. 21. The upper side of the gamingterminal 3 with the terminal number 1 is a position corresponding to thegaming terminal 3 with the terminal number 1. Thus, the shared display102 is transferred between positions corresponding to the respectivegaming terminals 3. The positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals however are not limited to the upper sides of the gamingterminals.

When one of the gaming terminals 3 is determined, the shared display 102is transferred to the position corresponding to the determined onegaming terminal 3. In the example shown in the middle of FIG. 21, thedetermined one gaming terminal 3 is the gaming terminal with theterminal number 3.

In the example shown in the lower view of FIG. 21, when the shareddisplay 102 has arrived at the position corresponding to the determinedone gaming terminal 3, on the shared display 102 is displayed an effect197 indicating that one of the gaming terminals 3 has been determined.The effect 197, for example, is a message image indicating that theprogressive payout is awarded through the gaming terminal with theterminal number 3. Then, the payout awarding device 125 of the gamingterminal 3 with the terminal number 3 awards the progressive payout.

Thus, this payout awarded through the only one gaming terminal accordingto the relation among the symbols rearranged on the shared displayrealizes a new entertainment characteristic which raises player'sexpectation for another payout awarded through the only one gamingterminal in addition to the one awarded as a result of the game run inthe gaming terminal.

Further, as stated above, when the progressive payout is determined tobe awarded, the shared display is transferred between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals and subsequentlytransferred to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal for awarding the payout. Then, on the shared display isdisplayed an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminal. Thisallows players to visually recognize transfers of the shared display andtherefore realizes a new entertainment characteristic which raisesplayer's expectation for which gaming terminal the payout is awardedthrough.

Further, an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminal isdisplayed after the shared display has arrived at the positioncorresponding to the determined one gaming terminal. This prevents aloss in expectation for a payout, which is caused by transferring theshared display while displaying thereon the effect. Therefore, a newentertainment characteristic is realized.

The following details contribution rates of combined symbol arrangements190 in reference to FIG. 22. In the example shown in FIG. 22, thecondition for determining to award a progressive payout is that four ormore scatter symbols “7” are arranged in the matrix 256. As illustratedin FIG. 22, when the progressive payout is determined to be awarded, thearrangement areas where scatter symbols “7” are arranged are thearrangement areas 251 b, 252 b, 254 a, and 255 b.

The symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 251 a to 255 a are arrangedbased on a combination symbol arrangement 190 of the gaming terminalwith the terminal number 1. This combination symbol arrangement 190includes one scatter symbol “7”. Therefore, the contribution level(contribution value) of this combination symbol arrangement 190 is 1.

Further, the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 251 b to 255 b arearranged based on a combination symbol arrangement 190 of the gamingterminal with the terminal number 3. This combination symbol arrangement190 includes three scatter symbols “7”. Therefore, the contributionlevel of this combination symbol arrangement 190 is 3.

Further, the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 251 c to 255 c arearranged based on a combination symbol arrangement 190 of the gamingterminal with the terminal number 2. This combination symbol arrangement190 includes no scatter symbols “7”. Therefore, the contribution levelof this combination symbol arrangement 190 is 0.

Accordingly, since the combination symbol arrangement 190 of the gamingterminal with the terminal number 3 has the highest contribution level,the payout-targeted gaming terminal determining unit 123 determines thegaming terminal with the terminal number 3 as one of the gamingterminals.

Thus, one of the gaming terminals for awarding the payout is determinedbased on contribution rates of the combined symbol arrangements of thesymbols. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic.

Although the present embodiment deals with a case where thepayout-targeted gaming terminal determining unit 123 determines theterminal with the combination symbol arrangement 190 having the highestcontribution level, as one of the gaming terminals, the presentinvention is not limited to this.

[Mechanical Structure of Gaming Machine 1]

Next, the following describes a specific example of mechanical andelectrical structures of the gaming machine 1 thus structured.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the gaming machine 1 includes: gamingterminals 3 which run a game independently from each other; a centercontroller 100 connected to the gaming terminals 3, which is incommunication with the gaming terminals 3 and runs a shared game; ashared display 102 which displays thereon an effect image related to theshared game; a rail 271 which supports the shared display 102 and allowsthe shared display 102 to transfer to a position immediately above oneof the gaming terminals 3; and a not-shown drive motor 270 which causesthe shared display 102 to transfer along the rail 271.

The not-shown position sensor 128 is provided at a lower part of anouter surface of the shared display 102. Each gaming terminal isassigned with a marker, and the position sensor 128 reads the marker todetermine, based on the read marker, which one of the gaming terminals 3corresponds to the position at which the shared display 102 has arrived.The position sensor 128 transmits the determined position information toa main CPU 241. Thus, the position sensor 128 detects that the shareddisplay 102 has arrived at a position corresponding to a gaming terminal3. Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where the positionsensor 128 is a type of sensor which reads a marker. However, thepresent invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be aswitching sensor and the like.

The drive motor 270 is driven by a control signal from the main CPU 241,and rotates the drive wheel to transfer the shared display 102. Theexample illustrated in the upper view of FIG. 23 shows that the shareddisplay 102 has arrived at the position corresponding to the left gamingterminal 3 as viewed from the front of the gaming machine 1. Further,the example illustrated in the lower view of FIG. 23 shows that theshared display 102 has arrived at the position corresponding to theright gaming terminal 3 as viewed from the front of the gaming machine1.

[Electrical Structure of Center Controller 100]

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical structure of thecenter controller 100. The center controller 100 is provided thereinwith a control unit. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the control unitincludes a motherboard 240, a gaming board 260, an actuator, or thelike.

The gaming board 260 has the same structure as that of the gaming board50. The motherboard 240 has the same structure as that of themotherboard 40. The communication interface 244 communicates with theterminal controller 110 through a communication line.

The graphic board 268 has the same structure as that of the graphicboard 68, except in that the graphic board 268 controls image displayingof the shared display 102 based on a control signal from the main CPU241.

The drive motor 270 is a stepping motor and is connected to a not-showndrive wheel. The drive motor 270 is driven by a control signal from themain CPU 241, and rotates the drive wheel to transfer the shared display102.

[Operation of Center Controller 100: Progressive Award Process Routine]

The following describes a progressive award process routine which iscalled during execution of the center side initial setting routine.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, when the progressive award process routine isstarted, the main CPU 241 displays an effect 195 indicating that aprogressive payout is awarded on the shared display 102 (k1). Then, themain CPU 241 displays an effect 196 indicating that the payout-targetedgaming terminal 3 is presently being determined on the shared display102 (k2).

Next, the main CPU 241 starts transferring the shared display 102through the conveying device 127 (k3). Accordingly, the shared display102 reciprocates between the upper sides of the respective gamingterminals 3.

Then, the main CPU 241 specifies a combination symbol arrangement 190 ofeach of the gaming terminals 3 (k4). Then, the main CPU 241 calculatesrespective contribution levels of the specified combination symbolarrangements 190, wherein each of the contribution level(contributionvalue) is a level at which one arrangement 190 contributes to thedetermination of awarding the progressive payout (k5). Then, the mainCPU 241 determines one payout-targeted gaming terminal 3, based on thecalculated contribution value (k6).

Then, the main CPU 241 transfers the shared display 102 to the positioncorresponding to the determined payout-targeted gaming terminal 3through the conveying device 127. Then, the main CPU 241 determineswhether it is detected that the shared display 102 has arrived at theposition corresponding to the determined payout-targeted gaming terminal3 (k8). When it is determined that the arrival is not detected (E8:NO),E8 is executed until the arrival is detected.

On the other hand in E8, when it is determined that the arrival isdetected (E8:YES), the main CPU 241 displays an effect 197 indicatingthat one of the gaming terminals 3 has been determined on the shareddisplay 102 (k9). Then, the main CPU 241 outputs an instruction signalto the determined payout-targeted gaming terminal 3 so that theprogressive payout is awarded (k10).

As is already mentioned, this payout awarded through the only one gamingterminal 3 according to the relation among the symbols 180 rearranged onthe shared display 102 realizes a new entertainment characteristic whichraises player's expectation for another payout awarded through the onlyone gaming terminal 3 in addition to the one awarded as a result of thegame run in the gaming terminal 3.

Further, as stated above, when the progressive payout is determined tobe awarded, the shared display 102 is transferred between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals 3 and subsequentlytransferred to the position corresponding to the determined one gamingterminal 3 for awarding the payout. Then, on the shared display 102 isdisplayed an effect 197 indicating the determined one gaming terminal 3.This allows players to visually recognize transfers of the shareddisplay 102 and therefore realizes a new entertainment characteristicwhich raises player's expectation for which gaming terminal 3 the payoutis awarded through.

Further, an effect 197 indicating the determined one gaming terminal 3is displayed after the shared display 102 has arrived at the positioncorresponding to the determined one gaming terminal 3. This prevents aloss in expectation for a payout, which is caused by transferring theshared display 102 while displaying thereon the effect 197. Therefore, anew entertainment characteristic is realized.

Thus, one of the gaming terminals 3 for awarding the payout isdetermined, based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements 190 of the symbols 180. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

Further, when the payout is determined to be awarded, on the shareddisplay 102 is displayed an effect 195 indicating that the payout isawarded. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives aplayer more concrete expectation for a payout awarded through the onlyone gaming terminal 3 according to the relation among the symbols 180rearranged on the shared display 102.

Further, as is already mentioned, a single game involving a plurality ofgaming terminals is created by rearranging, on the shared display 102,symbols 180 identical to those in one symbol arrangement 190 of onegaming terminal 3 in combination with symbols 180 identical to those inanother symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, wherein theone arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other arrangement 190includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the othergaming terminal 3. This realizes a new entertainment characteristicwhich gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participatingplayers.

Further, as is already mentioned, the symbols 180 identical to those inthe one symbol arrangement 190 and the symbols 180 identical to those inthe other symbol arrangement 190 are combined and rearranged, on the rowor column basis, on the shared display 102. A player therefore is ableto easily understand how rearranged symbols on the terminal displays 101are combined and rearranged on the shared display 102. Thischaracteristic enhances the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” among theplayers.

Further, on the shared display 102 are rearranged the symbols 180identical to those in the one symbol arrangement 190 and the symbols 180identical to those in the other symbol arrangement 190, the symbols 180of the other symbol arrangement 190 being in different positions fromthose of the one symbol arrangement 190. A player therefore is able toeasily understand how rearranged symbols on another terminal display 101are combined and rearranged on the shared display 102. Thischaracteristic enhances the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” among theplayers.

Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where the centercontroller 100 determines a combination symbol arrangement based on aterminal symbol arrangement. However, the present invention is notlimited to this. For example, it may be the terminal controller 110which determines a combination symbol arrangement based on a terminalsymbol arrangement.

Note further that the number of gaming terminals 3 is three in thepresent embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited tothis, provided that at least two gaming terminals 3 are provided.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabovemainly focused on characteristics thereof for the purpose of easierunderstanding; however, the scope of the present invention shall beconstrued as broadly as possible, encompassing various forms of otherpossible embodiments, and therefore the present invention shall not belimited to the above description. Further, the terms and phraseologyused in the present specification are adopted solely to provide specificillustration of the present invention, and in no case should the scopeof the present invention be limited by such terms and phraseology.Further, it will be obvious for those skilled in the art that the otherstructures, systems, methods or the like are possible, within the spiritof the invention described in the present specification. The descriptionof claims therefore shall encompass structures equivalent to the presentinvention, unless otherwise such structures are regarded as to departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, theabstract is provided to allow, through a simple investigation, quickanalysis of the technical features and essences of the present inventionby an intellectual property office, a general public institution, or oneskilled in the art who is not fully familiarized with patent and legalor professional terminology. It is therefore not an intention of theabstract to limit the scope of the present invention which shall beconstrued on the basis of the description of the claims. To fullyunderstand the object and effects of the present invention, it isstrongly encouraged to sufficiently refer to disclosures of documentsalready made available.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinaboveincludes a process executed on a computer or computer network. The abovedescriptions and expressions are provided to allow the one skilled inthe art to most efficiently understand the present invention. A processperformed in or by respective steps yielding one result or blocks with apredetermined processing function described in the present specificationshall be understood as a process with no self-contradiction. Further,the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written inthe respective steps or blocks. It should be noted that such a signal isexpressed in the form of bit, value, symbol, text, terms, number, or thelike solely for the sake of convenience. Although the presentspecification occasionally personifies the processes performed in thesteps or blocks, these processes are essentially executed by variousdevices. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocksare obvious from the above descriptions.

Third Embodiment

The following describes a third embodiment of a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof according to the present invention. Note thatreference numbers and symbols given to members and steps of flowchartsare only applicable to those described within the present embodiment,and do not represent the members or the steps of the other embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, a gaming machine 1 including more than onegaming terminals 3 executes a playing method including the steps of:rearranging symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 150 of each of thegaming terminals 3, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150; combining, on the row or columnbasis, one arrangement 190 of symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangementareas 150 of one gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 ofsymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 of another gamingterminal 3 to form a single symbol matrix 185 including the symbols 180of the one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement 190; scrolling thesymbol matrix 185 having the symbols 180 on the shared display 102;rearranging on the shared display 102 some of the symbols 180 in thesymbol matrix 185, without altering the arrangement of the symbol matrix185; scrolling a row or column of the symbol matrix 185 having thesymbols 180 on the shared display 185; rearranging on the shared display102 some of the symbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185 so as to conformwith a row or column of arrangements 190 in the symbol matrix 185; andawarding a payout according to a relation among symbols 180 rearrangedon the shared display 102.

The “arranging” in this specification means a state where the symbols180 can be visually observed by a player. That is, the wording means astate where the symbols 180 are displayed in the arrangement areas 150,in FIG. 26. Arranging the symbols 180 again after dismissing the symbols180 is referred to as “rearranging”.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the arrangement areas 150 are areas of aterminal display 101 where symbols 180 are arranged. The arrangementareas 150 form display windows 151 to 155 as illustrated in FIG. 26. Forexample, arrangement areas 151 a, 151 b, and 151 c form the displaywindow 151. Further, the display windows 151 to 155 form a matrix 156.The matrix 156, in other words, is formed with the plurality ofarrangement areas 150 arranged in a matrix.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, arrangement areas 250 are areas of the shareddisplay 102 where symbols 180 are arranged. The arrangement areas 150form display windows 251 to 255 as illustrated in FIG. 29. For example,the arrangement areas 255 a, 255 b, and 255 c form the display window255. Further, the display windows 251 to 255 form a matrix 256. Thematrix 256, in other words, is formed with the plurality of arrangementareas 250 arranged in a matrix.

Further, “scatter symbols” are such symbols which provide advantages toa player when a predetermined number or more of them are displayed inthe matrix 156. For example, the advantages includes: a state wherecoins corresponding to the scatter symbols are paid out, a state wherethe number of coins to be paid out is added to a credit, a state where abonus game is started.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the gaming machine 1 which executes theplaying method has the shared display 102, a center controller 100, andgaming terminals 3. Each of the gaming terminals 3 includes a terminaldisplay 101 and a terminal controller 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the terminal display 101 has the arrangementareas 150, and symbols 180 are arranged in the arrangement areas 150.

The terminal display 101 may have a mechanical structure adopting a reeldevice which rotates a reel to arrange the symbols 180. Alternatively,the terminal display 101 may have an electric structure in which a videoreel is displayed as an image and symbols 180 on a video reel arearranged in the form of an image. Further, the terminal display 101 mayadopt a combination of the mechanical structure (reel) and theelectrical structure (video reel). Examples of the electrical structureinclude a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), aplasma display device, or the like. Further, the number of arrangementareas 150 is not limited. A specific structure of the terminal display101 will be detailed later.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the shared display 102 has the arrangementareas 250, and symbols 180 are arranged in the arrangement areas 250.This shared display 102 displays a progressive jackpot value 200 asillustrated in FIG. 29. A specific structure of the shared display 102will be detailed later.

[Terminal Controller 110]

The terminal controller 110 executes: a first process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in arrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing; a secondprocess of awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150; and a third process of,when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting information ofsymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangementof the rearranged symbols 180 to the center controller 100. In otherwords, the terminal controller 110 has a first processing unit, a secondprocessing unit and a third processing unit.

The terminal controller 110 is connected to a center controller 100 andis in communication with the center controller 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the terminal controller 110 is connected to agame starting unit 111. The game starting unit 111 has a function ofoutputting a game start signal, in response to an operation by theplayer. The game start signal output is then input to a later-describedgame running unit 112.

Further, the terminal controller 110 is connected to a BET unit 109. TheBET unit 109 has functions of receiving a bet entered through anoperation by the player, and outputting a BET signal in response to thebet entered. The BET signal output is input to a later-described gamerunning unit 112.

The terminal controller 110 includes: a game running unit 112, arearrangement symbol determining unit 113, and a terminal displaycontrol unit 114. The game running unit 112 runs a base game, triggeredby a game start signal from the game starting unit 111. In the basegame, symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 of theterminal display 101. Further, the terminal controller 110 outputs aprogressive signal, triggered by the game start signal. The progressivesignal is a signal indicating a game value.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines, based on thestate of game run by the game running unit 112, a plurality of symbols180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement ofthe symbols 180 (hereinafter, terminal symbol arrangement). The terminalcontroller 110 then transmits information of the terminal symbolarrangement to the center controller 100, through a control performed bythe game running unit 112.

The terminal display control unit 114 displays the symbols 180 on theterminal display 101 under control of the game running unit 112 and onthe basis of a determination of the rearrangement symbol determiningunit 113. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

Further, the terminal controller 110 includes a not-shown payout awarddetermining unit and a payout awarding unit. The not-shown payout awarddetermining unit determines whether to award a payout, based on arelation among the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150of the terminal display 101. Then, the not-shown payout awarding unitawards a payout based on a determination of the not-shown payout awarddetermining unit.

Meanwhile, each block of the terminal controller 110 may be realizedwith hardware or with software as needed.

[Operation of Terminal Controller 110]

The following describes an operation of the terminal controller 110 inthe above structure. First, the BET unit 109 accepts a BET enteredthrough an operation by a player. Then, in response to the operation,the game starting unit 111 outputs a game start signal to cause the gamerunning unit 112 to start a base game. When the base game is started,the rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180 (terminal symbol arrangement). The symbols 180 to berearranged and the terminal symbol arrangement are determined at everybase game. The symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symboldetermining unit 113 undergo an image processing in the terminal displaycontrol unit 114, and are displayed on the terminal display 101. Theterminal display control unit 114 rearranges the symbols 180 in thearrangement areas 150, according to the arrangement determined. Thus,the terminal controller 110 executes the first process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in the arrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing.

Further, a not-shown payout determining unit determines whether to awarda payout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150. When the payout determining unit determines toaward a payout, a not-shown payout awarding unit awards a payout. Thus,the terminal controller 110 executes the second process of awarding apayout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150.

Further, the terminal controller 110 transmits, to the center controller100, symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit113 and an arrangement of the symbols 180, based on a predeterminedcondition. An example of such a condition is a shared game being run, orthe like condition. Thus, the terminal controller 110 executes the thirdprocess of, when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting symbols180 determined and an arrangement of the symbols 180 to the centercontroller 100.

[Operation of Center Controller 100]

The center controller 100 is structured to execute: a fourth process of,when a predetermined condition is met, receiving arrangements of symbols180 from more than one terminal controllers 110; a fifth process ofcombining, on the row or column basis, one arrangement 190 of symbols180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 of one gaming terminal 3with another arrangement 190 of symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150 of another gaming terminal 3 to form a singlesymbol matrix 185 including the symbols 180 of the one arrangement 190and the other arrangement 190; a sixth process of scrolling the symbolmatrix 185 having the symbols 180 on the shared display 102; a seventhprocess of rearranging on the shared display 102 some of the symbols 180in the symbol matrix 185, without altering the arrangement of the symbolmatrix 185; an eight process of scrolling a row or column of the symbolmatrix 185 having the symbols 180 on the shared display 185; a ninthprocess of rearranging on the shared display 102 some of the symbols 180in the symbol matrix 185 so as to conform with a row or column ofarrangements 190 in the symbol matrix 185; and a tenth process ofawarding a payout according to a relation among symbols 180 rearrangedon the shared display 102. In other words, the center controller 100includes a fourth process unit, a fifth process unit, a sixth processunit, a seventh process unit, an eighth process unit, a ninth processunit, and a tenth process unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the center controller 100 is connected to theterminal controller 110 and is in communication with the terminalcontroller 110.

The center controller 100 includes: a progressive storage unit 115, ashared game starting unit 116, a shared game running unit 117, arearrangement symbol determining unit 118, combination symboldetermining unit 119, a shared display control unit 120, a payoutdetermining unit 121, a payout awarding unit 122, and a symbol matrixformation unit 124.

The progressive storage unit 115 stores and sums up a game valueindicated by a progressive signal received from the terminal controller110. The shared game starting unit 116 outputs a shared game startsignal, when the predetermined condition is met. The shared game startsignal output is input to a later-mentioned shared game running unit117. For example, meeting the predetermined situation means a situationwhere a game value stored in the progressive storage unit 115 sums up toa predetermined value or greater.

The shared game running unit 117 runs a shared game, triggered by theshared game start signal received from the shared game starting unit116. In the shared game, symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangementareas 250 of the shared display 102.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 receives information of aterminal symbol arrangement from each of two or more terminalcontrollers 110. Based on the information of the terminal symbolarrangement received, the combination symbol determining unit 119selects symbols 180 and determines an arrangement of the symbols 180(hereinafter, combination symbol arrangement 190). In other words, thecombination symbol determining unit 119 determines at least twocombination symbol arrangements 190.

When the combination symbol arrangements 190 are determined by thecombination symbol determining unit 119, the symbol matrix formationunit 124 forms one symbol matrix 185 including more than onearrangements of symbols 180 by combining at least two combination symbolarrangements 190 having determined. The symbol matrix formation unit 124may form the symbol matrix 185 by combining the combination symbolarrangements 190 on the row or column basis.

Note that “combining, on the row basis” means to joint one or more rowsin a direction in which rows are arranged (hereinafter, row direction).Note further that “combining, on the column basis” means to joint one ormore columns in a direction in which columns are arranged (hereinafter,column direction).

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines, based on thesymbol matrix 185 formed by the symbol matrix formation unit 124, anarrangement of symbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas250.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 may determine thearrangement of symbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas250, so that some of the symbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185 arerearranged without altering the arrangement of the symbol matrix 185.Further, the rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 may determine thearrangement of symbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas 250so as to conform with a row or column of the symbol arrangements 190 inthe symbol matrix 185.

The shared display control unit 120 displays the symbols 180 on theshared display 102 under control of the shared game running unit 117 andon the basis of the symbol matrix 185 formed by the symbol matrixformation unit 124 and a determination of the rearrangement symboldetermining unit 118. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 250 of the shared display 102. Then, the payoutawarding unit 122 awards a progressive payout based on a determinationof the payout determining unit 121.

Meanwhile, each block of the center controller 100 may be realized withhardware or with software as needed.

[Operation of Center Controller 100]

The following describes an operation of the center controller 100 in theabove structure. First, the game value is stored and summed in theprogressive storage unit 115. A shared game starts when the stored gamevalue sums up to a predetermined value or greater. The combinationsymbol determining unit 119, during the shared game, receivesinformation of a terminal symbol arrangement from the terminalcontroller 110. Thus, the center controller 100 executes the fourthprocess of receiving, when a predetermined condition is met, symbols 180and arrangements thereof (terminal symbol arrangements) from theterminal controllers 110.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 determines at least twocombination symbol arrangements 190 based on the terminal symbolarrangement received. Further, the combination symbol determining unit119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements 190based on symbols 180 and arrangement thereof in different positions ofthe arrangement areas 150. Further, the combination symbol determiningunit 119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements190 on the row or column basis.

The symbol matrix formation unit 124 forms one symbol matrix 185, byjointing the at least two combination symbol arrangements 190 determinedby the combination symbol determining unit 119, in the row direction.Alternatively, the symbol matrix formation unit 124 forms one symbolmatrix 185, by jointing the at least two combination symbol arrangements190 in the column direction. Thus, the center controller 100 executesthe fifth process of combining, on the row or column basis, onearrangement 190 of symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150of one gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 of another gaming terminal 3 toform one symbol matrix 185 including the symbols 180 of the onearrangement 190 and the other arrangement 190.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines, based on thesymbol matrix 185 formed by the symbol matrix formation unit 124, anarrangement of symbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas250, so that some of the symbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185 arerearranged without altering the arrangement of the symbol matrix 185.

The symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit118 undergo image processing performed in the shared display controlunit 120, and are scrolled on the shared display 102 on the basis ofsymbol matrix. Thus, the center controller 100 executes the sixthprocess of scrolling the symbol matrix 185 having the symbols 180 on theshared display 102.

According to the arrangement thus determined, the shared display controlunit 120 rearranges the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 250. Thearrangement determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit 118conforms with a part of arrangements of symbols 180 on the basis of thesymbol matrix. As such, the symbols 180 are rearranged in thearrangement areas 250 in such a manner as to conform with the part ofthe arrangements of the symbols on the basis of the symbol matrix. Thus,the center controller 100 executes the seventh process of rearranging onthe shared display 102 some of the symbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185,without altering the arrangement of the symbol matrix 185.

The symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit118 may undergo image processing performed in the shared display controlunit 120 so as to be scrolled in a row or column of the symbol matrix185 on the shared display 102. Thus, the center controller 100 executesthe eighth process of scrolling a row or column of the symbol matrix 185having the symbols 180 on the shared display 102.

According to the arrangement thus determined, the shared display controlunit 120 rearranges the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 250. Sincethe arrangement determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit118 conforms with a row or column of the arrangements 190 in the symbolmatrix 185, the symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement areas 250so as to conform with a row or column of the symbol arrangements 190 inthe symbol matrix 185. Thus, the center controller 100 executes theninth process of rearranging on the shared display 102 some of thesymbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185 so as to conform with a row orcolumn of arrangements 190 in the symbol matrix 185.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout, according to a relation of the symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 250. If the payout determining unit121 determines to award a progressive payout, the payout awarding unit122 awards the progressive payout. Thus, the center controller 100executes the tenth process of awarding a payout according to a relationamong symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102.

The above can be rephrased as follows. The center controller 100 causesthe terminal controllers 110 to perform the first process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in the arrangement areas 150 of each of the gaming terminals3, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal 3.

As is obvious from the above operation, the gaming machine 1 includes aplurality of gaming terminals 3 and a shared display 102, and realizes aplaying method including the steps of: rearranging symbols 180 inarrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing; awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150; transmitting to the center controller 100, thesymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangementof the symbols 180, when a predetermined condition is met; receiving,from terminal controllers 110, symbols 180 and arrangements thereof,when a predetermined condition is met; combining, on the row or columnbasis, one arrangement 190 of symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangementareas 150 of one gaming terminal 3 with another arrangement 190 ofsymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 of another gamingterminal 3 to form one symbol matrix 185 including the symbols 180 ofthe one arrangement 190 and the other arrangement 190; scrolling thesymbol matrix 185 having the symbols 180 on the shared display 102; aseventh process of rearranging on the shared display 102 some of thesymbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185, without altering the arrangementof the symbol matrix 185; an eight process of scrolling a row or columnof the symbol matrix 185 having the symbols 180 on the shared display185; a ninth process of rearranging on the shared display 102 some ofthe symbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185 so as to conform with a row orcolumn of arrangements 190 in the symbol matrix 185; and a tenth processof awarding a payout according to a relation among symbols 180rearranged on the shared display 102.

This can be rephrased as follows. The gaming machine 1 realizes aplaying method realizing steps of: rearranging symbols 180 in thearrangement areas 150 of each of the gaming terminals 3, based onrunning of a game in the gaming terminal; awarding a payout according toa relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas150; combining, on the row or column basis, one arrangement 190 ofsymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 of one gamingterminal 3 with another arrangement 190 of symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150 of another gaming terminal 3 to form a singlesymbol matrix 185 including the symbols 180 of the one arrangement 190and the other arrangement 190; scrolling the symbol matrix 185 havingthe symbols 180 on the shared display 102; rearranging on the shareddisplay 102 some of the symbols 180 in the symbol matrix 185, withoutaltering the arrangement of the symbol matrix 185; scrolling a row orcolumn of the symbol matrix 185 having the symbols 180 on the shareddisplay 185; rearranging on the shared display 102 some of the symbols180 in the symbol matrix 185 so as to conform with a row or column ofarrangements 190 in the symbol matrix 185; and awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among symbols 180 rearranged on the shareddisplay 102.

According to the above playing method, symbols are rearranged at apredetermined timing in the arrangement areas 150 on a terminal display101 of a gaming terminal 3. Then, a payout is awarded according to thesymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150. When apredetermined condition is met, one arrangement of symbols rearranged inthe arrangement areas of one gaming terminal is combined with anotherarrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of anothergaming terminal to form one symbol matrix. Symbols in the symbol matrixare scrolled on the shared display. Then, some of the symbols in thesymbol matrix are rearranged on the shared display. Then, a payout isawarded according to the symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display102. This payout awarded according to the relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for another payout inaddition to the one awarded as a result of the game run in the gamingterminal. Further, the above structure creates one game involving aplurality of gaming terminals by forming one symbol matrix including acombination of one arrangement of symbols rearranged in arrangementareas of one gaming terminal and another arrangement of symbolsrearranged in arrangement areas of another gaming terminal. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of“unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further, a payout isawarded based on a part of the symbols in the symbol matrix formed. Thisprovides a wider variation of payout than the variation of payoutawarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of a known art. As such, it ispossible to provide a new entertainment characteristic. Further, Then,some of the symbols in the symbol matrix are rearranged on the shareddisplay, without altering the arrangement of the symbol matrix.Therefore an arrangement of symbols rearranged in one gaming terminalstand higher chance of recurring on the shared display. Further, thestructure improves the player's predictability of symbol arrangements onthe shared display, and therefore increases the player's expectation ata time of scrolling the symbols on the shared display. Thus, it ispossible to provide a new entertainment characteristic. Further, since arow or column of the symbol matrix is scrolled on the shared display andsome of the symbols in the symbol matrix are rearranged on the shareddisplay so as to conform with a row or column of arrangements in thesymbol matrix, an arrangement of symbols in a gaming terminal may beformed on the shared display. This provides a wider variation of payoutthan the variation of payout awarded based on a conventional fixedsymbol matrix. As such, it is possible to provide a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

[Display State of Terminal Display 101]

The following details an exemplary display state of the terminal display101 during the operations of the gaming machine 1 and the playing methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where theterminal display 101 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a videoreel in the form of an image, as illustrated in FIG. 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, a matrix 156 is in the center of the terminaldisplay 101. The matrix 156 includes a symbol column having symbols 180,which is scrolled as illustrated in the upper left of FIG. 28. Thedisplay windows 151 to 155 are respectively divided into upper stages151 a to 155 a, central stages 151 b to 155 b, and lower stages 151 c to155 c. The symbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the stages 151 a to 155a, 151 b to 155 b, and 151 c to 155 c, respectively. For example, inFIG. 28, “DIAMOND” is stopped in 151 a of the upper stage of the displaywindow 151, “7” is stopped in 152 b of the central stage of the displaywindow 152 and “DIAMOND” is stopped in 153 c of the lower stage of thedisplay window 153. In short, the matrix 156 is a matrix of arrangementareas, including five columns/three rows. The matrix 156 however is notlimited to the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

As is illustrated in the upper left of FIG. 28, the terminal display 101variably displays symbols 180 when a base game is started in the gamingterminal 3. When this variable displaying of symbols 180 stops, symbols180 are rearranged in the arrangement areas 150, as illustrated in FIG.28. Then, a payout according to a relation among the symbols 180rearranged is awarded.

A frame including all the symbols 180 thus rearranged is variablydisplayed. An arrangement of symbols 180 in the frame are a combinationsymbol arrangement 190. For example, the frame illustrated at the lowerpart of FIG. 28 shows that an arrangement of symbols 180 rearranged inthe matrix 156 is a combination symbol arrangement 190.

Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where a combinationsymbol arrangement 190 indicates the entire arrangement of symbols 180rearranged. However, the present invention is not limited to this andthe combination symbol arrangement 190 may indicate a part of thearrangement of symbols 180 rearranged. In such a case, the frame may bevariably displayed and stopped, and an arrangement of symbols 180 in theframe may be determined as the combination symbol arrangement 190.

Further, the combination symbol arrangement 190 may be one row as thecombination symbol arrangement 190 d shown in FIG. 32, or more than onerows as the combination symbol arrangement 190 e shown in FIG. 32.Alternatively, the combination symbol arrangement 190 may be one columnas the combination symbol arrangement 190 b shown in FIG. 32, or morethan one columns as the combination symbol arrangement 190 c shown inFIG. 32. The combination symbol arrangements 190 on the row or columnbasis allows players to easily understand how rearranged symbols 180 onthe terminal displays 101 are combined and rearranged on the shareddisplay 102. This enhances the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” amongparticipating players.

[Display State of Shared Display 102]

The following details an exemplary display state of the shared display102 during the operations of the gaming machine 1 and the playing methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where theshared display 102 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a videoreel in the form of an image, as illustrated in FIG. 29.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, a matrix 256 having several arrangement areas250 is in the center of the shared display 102. In the matrix 256 isscrolled the symbol matrix 185 having many symbols 180 as illustrated inthe middle part of FIG. 29. The display windows 251 to 255 are dividedinto upper stages 251 a to 255 a, central stages 251 b to 255 b, andlower stages 251 c to 255 c. The symbols 180 are stopped (arranged) inthe stages 251 a to 255 a, 251 b to 255 b, and 251 c to 255 c,respectively. In short, the matrix 256 is a matrix of arrangement areasincluding five columns/three rows. The matrix 256 however is not limitedto the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

This shared display 102 displays at its lower part a progressive jackpotvalue 200 as illustrated in FIG. 29. The progressive jackpot value 200is the sum of game values having been accumulated. In FIG. 29 forexample, the progressive jackpot value 200 is 1,929.00 dollars.

As shown in the upper part of FIG. 29, more than one combination symbolarrangements 190 are combined to form one symbol matrix 185 having manysymbols 180, when a shared game is run.

As illustrated in the middle of FIG. 29, when one symbol matrix 185 isformed, the matrix 256 having the arrangement areas scrolls within thesymbol matrix 185 having many symbols 180, in the row direction, thusvariably displaying the symbols 180 on the shared display 102. When thisvariable displaying of symbols 180 stops, symbols 180 are rearranged inthe arrangement areas 250, as illustrated in FIG. 29. Symbols 180 arerearranged in the arrangement areas 250, by combining the combinationsymbol arrangements 190 of the terminal displays 101. Then, aprogressive payout is awarded according to a relation among the symbols180 rearranged.

(Formation of Symbol Matrix 185 and Scrolling of Same)

Next, the following describes formation of the symbol matrix 185. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 30, the respective combination symbolarrangements 190 a of the terminal displays 101 (101A, 101B, 101C) arejointed in the row direction, thereby forming a symbol matrix 185.Within this symbol matrix 185, the entire matrix 256 having thearrangement areas 250 scrolls in the row direction so as to variablydisplay symbols 180 on the shared display 102.

Further, in an example illustrated in FIG. 31, the respectivecombination symbol arrangements 190 a of the terminal displays 101(101A, 101B, 101C) are jointed in the column direction, thereby forminga symbol matrix 185. Within this symbol matrix 185, the entire matrix256 having the arrangement areas 250 scrolls in the column direction soas to variably display symbols 180 on the shared display 102.

Further, a payout is awarded based on a part of the symbols in thesymbol matrix formed. This provides a wider variation of payout than thevariation of payout awarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of a knownart. As such, it is possible to provide a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

Further, Then, some of the symbols in the symbol matrix are rearrangedon the shared display, without altering the arrangement of the symbolmatrix. Therefore an arrangement of symbols rearranged in one gamingterminal stand higher chance of recurring on the shared display.Further, the structure improves the player's predictability of symbolarrangements on the shared display, and therefore increases the player'sexpectation at a time of scrolling the symbols on the shared display.Thus, it is possible to provide a new entertainment characteristic.

(Alternative form of Scroll of Symbol Matrix 185)

Next, the following describes an alternative form of scrolling of thesymbol matrix 185. In an example illustrated in FIG. 33, a displaywindow 251 having arrangement areas 250 jointed in the direction ofarranging rows scrolls in the row direction in the same column of thesymbol matrix 185. With this scrolling, symbols 180 are variablydisplayed on the shared display 102. Note that the display windows 252to 255 also scroll likewise.

When the scrolling of the display window 251 in the symbol matrix 185stops, the symbols 180 are rearranged in the display window 251 on theshared display 102 so as to conform with a part of the column of thesymbol matrix 185. Note that the display windows 252 to 255 also scrolllikewise.

In an example illustrated in FIG. 34, each of display windows 251 a to255 a having arrangement areas 250 jointed in the direction of arrangingcolumns scrolls in the column direction in a single column of the symbolmatrix 185. With this scrolling, symbols 180 are variably displayed onthe shared display 102. Note that the display windows 251 b to 255 b and251 c to 255 c also scroll likewise.

When the scrolling of each of the display windows 251 a to 255 a in thesymbol matrix 185 stops, the symbols 180 are rearranged in each of thedisplay windows 251 a to 255 a on the shared display 102 so as toconform with a part of the row of the symbol matrix 185.

Further, since a row or column of the symbol matrix is scrolled on theshared display and some of the symbols in the symbol matrix arerearranged on the shared display so as to conform with a row or columnof arrangements in the symbol matrix, an arrangement of symbols in agaming terminal may be formed on the shared display. This provides awider variation of payout than the variation of payout awarded based ona conventional fixed symbol matrix. As such, it is possible to provide anew entertainment characteristic.

[Operation of Gaming Terminal 3: Terminal Process Routine]

After the terminal side initial setting routine of FIG. 15, the main CPU41 of the gaming terminal 3 performs a terminal process routine of FIG.35. Through this terminal process routine, a game is run.

As illustrated in FIG. 35, in the terminal process routine, it isdetermined whether a coin is bet (C1). In this step, it is determinedwhether a signal from the 1-BET switch 26S entered by pressing of the1-BET button 26 is received. Meanwhile, it is determined whether asignal from the maximum BET switch 27S entered by pressing of themaximum BET button 27 is received. If no coin is BET (C1: NO), C1 isrepeated until a coin is bet.

On the other hand, if a coin is bet (C1: YES), the credit value storedin the RAM 43 is reduced according to the number of coins bet (C2). Whenthe number of coins bet surpasses the number of coins equivalent to thecredit value stored in the RAM 43, C2 is repeated without the reductionof the credit value. When the number of coins bet exceeds the maximumnumber of coins bettable one game (50 pieces in this embodiment), theprocess goes to a later-described step C3 without the reduction of thecredit value.

Then, it is determined whether a spin button 23 is pressed (C3). If thespin button 23 is not pressed (C3: NO), the process returns to C1. Here,if the spin button 23 is not pressed (for example, the spin button 23 isnot pressed but a command to end the game is input), the reduction ofthe credit value in C2 is canceled.

On the other hand, when the spin button 23 is pressed (C3: YES), aprogressive transmission process is executed (C4). In other words, aprogressive signal indicating a part of the game value bet istransmitted to the center controller 100.

Next executed is a symbol determining process (C5). That is, the stopsymbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is run to determinesymbols 180 to be arranged in the matrix 156. Through this, a symbolcombination to be formed along the payline L is determined.

Then, the scrolling process is executed to scroll symbols 180 on theterminal display 101 (C6). The scrolling process is a process in whichthe symbols 180 determined in C5 are stopped (rearranged) in the matrix156 after scrolling of symbols 180 in a direction indicated by an arrowsymbol.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether a shared game is running (C7). If ashared game start signal is received from the center controller 100, theCPU 41 determines that the shared game is running. If the CPU 41determines that the shared game is running (C7: YES), a terminal symbolarrangement signal is transmitted to the center controller 100 (C12).The terminal symbol arrangement signal indicates symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of the symbols 180(terminal symbol arrangement). Next, the main CPU 41 receives acombination symbol arrangement signal from the center controller 100(C13). The combination symbol arrangement signal indicates a combinationsymbol arrangement 190 determined by the center controller 100 based onthe terminal symbol arrangement signal resulting from C12. Then, themain CPU 41 displays the frame on the shared display 102 so as topresent in the frame the combination symbol arrangement 190 received inC12 (C14). Note that the main CPU 41 may scroll the frame on theterminal display 101, and stop scrolling the frame so that the framepresents the combination symbol arrangement 190 received in C12. On theother hand in C7, if it is determined that no shared game is running(C7: NO), C8 is executed.

Next, it is determined whether symbols 180 rearranged in the matrix 156form a winning combination (C8). If the symbols 180 forms a winningcombination (C8: YES), a payout process is executed (C9). Morespecifically, when a winning combination is formed, the number of coinsaccording to the combination is calculated. On the other hand in C8, ifit is determined that no winning combination is formed (C8: NO), C10 isexecuted.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether a progressive award signal isreceived from the center controller 100 (C10). If the CPU 41 determinesthat a progressive award signal is received (C10: YES), a payout isawarded according to the progressive award signal (C11). The processthen returns to C1. On the other hand in C10, if the CPU 41 determinesthat no progressive award signal is received (C10: NO), the processreturns to C1.

[Operation of Center Controller 100: Center Process Routine]

After the center side initial setting routine of FIG. 15, the main CPU241 of the center controller 100 executes a center process routine ofFIG. 36. The main CPU 241 performs the center process routine to run ashared game.

As illustrated in FIG. 36, in the center process routine, the main CPU241 determines whether a progressive signal is received from a gamingterminal 3 (D1). If the main CPU 241 determines that a progressivesignal is received (D1: YES), a game value indicated by the progressivesignal is stored and summed (D2). The process then returns to D1.

On the other hand in D1, if the main CPU 241 determines no progressivesignal is received (D1: NO), the main CPU 241 determines if theprogressive value equals or surpasses a predetermined value (D3). If themain CPU 241 determines that the progressive value is less than thepredetermined value (D3: NO), the process returns to D1. On the otherhand, if the main CPU 241 determines that the progressive value equalsor surpasses the predetermined value (D3: YES), a shared game startsignal is output to each of the gaming terminals 3 (D4). Next, aterminal symbol arrangement signal is received from each of the gamingterminals 3 (D5). Based on the terminal symbol arrangement signal, acombination symbol arrangement 190 is determined. The combination symbolarrangement 190 thus determined is sent back to the gaming terminals 3(D6). Next, formation of one symbol matrix 185 is attempted, based onthe combination symbol arrangements 190 determined (D7).

Next, the main CPU 241 determines whether the formation of the onesymbol matrix 185 in D7 was successful (D8). If the main CPU 241determines that the formation of the symbol matrix 185 was notsuccessful (D8: NO), the process returns to D5. On the other hand, ifthe main CPU 241 determines that the formation of the one symbol matrix185 was successful (D8: YES), the main CPU 241 determines an arrangementof symbols 180 to be arranged in the arrangement areas 250 of the shareddisplay 102, based on the symbol matrix 185 thus formed (D9). Next, themain CPU 241 causes the shared display 102 to start scrolling symbols180. Then, the scrolling of the symbols 180 on the shared display 102 isstopped to present the arrangement determined (D10).

Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether the symbols 180 arranged onthe shared display 102 forms a winning combination (D11). If the mainCPU 241 determines that no winning combination is formed (D11: NO), theprocess returns to D1. On the other hand, if the main CPU 241 determinesthat a winning combination is formed (D11: YES), a progressive awardprocess for awarding a progressive payout is executed to transmit aprogressive award signal to a targeted gaming terminal 3 (D12) Then, aprogressive value consumed is subtracted from the value stored in RAM243 (D13), and the process returns to D1.

As is already mentioned, a payout awarded according to a relation amongthe symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102 realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout in addition to the one awarded as a result of the gamerun in the gaming terminal.

Further, the above structure creates a single game involving a pluralityof gaming terminals by forming one symbol matrix including a combinationof one arrangement of symbols rearranged in arrangement areas of onegaming terminal and another arrangement of symbols rearranged inarrangement areas of another gaming terminal. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and“sharing” to participating players.

Further, a payout is awarded based on a part of the symbols in thesymbol matrix formed. This provides a wider variation of payout than thevariation of payout awarded based on a fixed symbol matrix of a knownart. As such, it is possible to provide a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

Further, Then, some of the symbols in the symbol matrix are rearrangedon the shared display, without altering the arrangement of the symbolmatrix. Therefore an arrangement of symbols rearranged in one gamingterminal stand higher chance of recurring on the shared display.Further, the structure improves the player's predictability of symbolarrangements on the shared display, and therefore increases the player'sexpectation at a time of scrolling the symbols on the shared display.Thus, it is possible to provide a new entertainment characteristic.

Further, since a row or column of the symbol matrix is scrolled on theshared display and some of the symbols in the symbol matrix arerearranged on the shared display so as to conform with a row or columnof arrangements in the symbol matrix, an arrangement of symbols in agaming terminal may be formed on the shared display. This provides awider variation of payout than the variation of payout awarded based ona conventional fixed symbol matrix. As such, it is possible to provide anew entertainment characteristic.

Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where the centercontroller 100 determines a combination symbol arrangement based on aterminal symbol arrangement. However, the present invention is notlimited to this. For example, it may be the terminal controller 110which determines a combination symbol arrangement based on a terminalsymbol arrangement.

Note further that the number of gaming terminals 3 is three in thepresent embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited tothis, provided that at least two gaming terminals 3 are provided.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabovemainly focused on characteristics thereof for the purpose of easierunderstanding; however, the scope of the present invention shall beconstrued as broadly as possible, encompassing various forms of otherpossible embodiments, and therefore the present invention shall not belimited to the above description. Further, the terms and phraseologyused in the present specification are adopted solely to provide specificillustration of the present invention, and in no case should the scopeof the present invention be limited by such terms and phraseology.Further, it will be obvious for those skilled in the art that the otherstructures, systems, methods or the like are possible, within the spiritof the invention described in the present specification. The descriptionof claims therefore shall encompass structures equivalent to the presentinvention, unless otherwise such structures are regarded as to departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, theabstract is provided to allow, through a simple investigation, quickanalysis of the technical features and essences of the present inventionby an intellectual property office, a general public institution, or oneskilled in the art who is not fully familiarized with patent and legalor professional terminology. It is therefore not an intention of theabstract to limit the scope of the present invention which shall beconstrued on the basis of the description of the claims. To fullyunderstand the object and effects of the present invention, it isstrongly encouraged to sufficiently refer to disclosures of documentsalready made available.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinaboveincludes a process executed on a computer or computer network. The abovedescriptions and expressions are provided to allow the one skilled inthe art to most efficiently understand the present invention. A processperformed in or by respective steps yielding one result or blocks with apredetermined processing function described in the present specificationshall be understood as a process with no self-contradiction. Further,the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written inthe respective steps or blocks. It should be noted that such a signal isexpressed in the form of bit, value, symbol, text, terms, number, or thelike solely for the sake of convenience. Although the presentspecification occasionally personifies the processes performed in thesteps or blocks, these processes are essentially executed by variousdevices. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocksare obvious from the above descriptions.

Fourth Embodiment

The following describes a fourth embodiment of a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof according to the present invention. Note thatreference numbers and symbols given to members and steps of flowchartsare only applicable to those described within the present embodiment,and do not represent the members or the steps of the other embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 37, a gaming machine 1 realizes a playing methodincluding the steps of: causing a bet unit 109 to receive a side bet;differentiating between how the illumination device 130 lights when aside bet is received and when no side bet is received; for each ofgaming terminals 3, rearranging symbols 180 in arrangement areas 150,based on running of a game; awarding a payout according to a relationamong symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150; combining onesymbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3 with another symbolarrangement 190 of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on theshared display 102, symbols 180 identical to those in the one symbolarrangement 190 and the other symbol arrangement 190, wherein (i) theone symbol arrangement 190 include the symbols 180 arranged inarrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other symbolarrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas150 of the other gaming terminal 3, and (ii) when combining symbolarrangements 190, a symbol arrangement of a side-bet gaming terminal 3is given a priority; and causing a payout awarding device 125 of aside-bet gaming terminal 3, to award a payout according to a relationamong the symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102.

The “arranging” in this specification means a state where the symbols180 can be visually observed by a player. That is, the wording means astate where the symbols 180 are displayed in the arrangement areas 150,in FIG. 37. Arranging the symbols 180 again after dismissing the symbols180 is referred to as “rearranging”.

As illustrated in FIG. 37, the arrangement areas 150 are areas of aterminal display 101 where symbols 180 are arranged. The arrangementareas 150 form display windows 151 to 155 as illustrated in FIG. 37. Forexample, arrangement areas 151 a, 151 b, and 151 c form the displaywindow 151. Further, the display windows 151 to 155 form a matrix 156.The matrix 156, in other words, is formed with the plurality ofarrangement areas 150 arranged in a matrix.

As illustrated in FIG. 40, arrangement areas 250 are areas of the shareddisplay 102 where symbols 180 are arranged. The arrangement areas 150form display windows 251 to 255 as illustrated in FIG. 40. For example,the arrangement areas 255 a, 255 b, and 255 c form the display window255. Further, the display windows 251 to 255 form a matrix 256. Thematrix 256, in other words, is formed with the plurality of arrangementareas 250 arranged in a matrix.

Further, “scatter symbols” are such symbols which provide advantages toa player when a predetermined number or more of them are displayed inthe matrix 156. For example, the advantages includes: a state wherecoins corresponding to the scatter symbols are paid out, a state wherethe number of coins to be paid out is added to a credit, a state where abonus game is started.

As illustrated in FIG. 38, the gaming machine 1 which executes theplaying method has the shared display 102, a center controller 100, andgaming terminals 3. Each of the gaming terminals 3 includes a terminaldisplay 101, a terminal controller 110, a payout awarding device 125, abet unit 109, and an illumination device 130.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, the terminal display 101 has the arrangementareas 150, and symbols 180 are arranged in the arrangement areas 150.

The terminal display 101 may have a mechanical structure adopting a reeldevice which rotates a reel to arrange the symbols 180. Alternatively,the terminal display 101 may have an electric structure in which a videoreel is displayed as an image and symbols 180 on a video reel arearranged in the form of an image. Further, the terminal display 101 mayadopt a combination of the mechanical structure (reel) and theelectrical structure (video reel). Examples of the electrical structureinclude a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube), aplasma display device, or the like. Further, the number of arrangementareas 150 is not limited. A specific structure of the terminal display101 will be detailed later.

As illustrated in FIG. 40, the shared display 102 has the arrangementareas 250, and symbols 180 are arranged in the arrangement areas 250.This shared display 102 displays a progressive jackpot value 200 asillustrated in FIG. 40. A specific structure of the terminal display 101will be detailed later.

The payout awarding device 125 is a later-mentioned hopper 66 in thisembodiment. The hopper 66 awards a player a payout related to a game bypaying out coins. Note that the present embodiment deals with a casewhere the payout awarding device 125 is a hopper 66 which pays outcoins. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long asthe device awards a player a payout related to a game. For example, amagnetic card storing therein a value related to a game is possible.

(Terminal Controller 110)

The terminal controller 110 executes: a first process of causing the betunit 109 to receive a side bet; a second process of differentiatingbetween how the illumination device 130 lights when a side bet isreceived and when no side bet is received; a third process ofrearranging symbols 180 in arrangement areas 150 at a predeterminedtiming; a fourth process of awarding a payout according to a relationamong the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 180; a fifthprocess of, when a predetermined condition is met, transmittinginformation of symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 andan arrangement of the rearranged symbols 180 to the center controller100; and a sixth process of causing the payout awarding device 125 toaward a payout based on an instruction from the center controller 100.In other words, the terminal controller 110 has a first processing unit,a second processing unit, a third processing unit, and a fourthprocessing unit, a fifth processing unit, and a sixth processing unit.

The terminal controller 110 is connected to the center controller 100and is in communication with the center controller 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 38, the terminal controller 110 is connected to agame starting unit 111. The game starting unit 111 has a function ofoutputting a game start signal, in response to an operation by theplayer. The game start signal output is then input to a later-describedgame running unit 112.

Further, the terminal controller 110 is connected to a bet unit 109. Thebet unit 109 has functions of receiving a bet entered through anoperation by the player, and outputting a bet signal in response to thebet entered. The bet signal output is input to a later-described gamerunning unit 112.

Further, the bet unit 109 has functions of, under control of theterminal controller 110, receiving a side bet from a player andoutputting a side bet signal. The outputted side bet signal is inputtedinto later-described game running unit 112, illumination control unit131, and center controller 100.

The terminal controller 110 includes: a game running unit 112, arearrangement symbol determining unit 113, a terminal display controlunit 114, and a payout award control unit 124. The game running unit 112runs a base game, triggered by a game start signal from the gamestarting unit 111. In the base game, symbols 180 are rearranged in thearrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. Further, the terminalcontroller 110 outputs a progressive signal, triggered by the game startsignal. The progressive signal is a signal indicating a game value.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines, based on thestate of game run by the game running unit 112 and whether or not a sidebet is placed in the bet unit 109, a plurality of symbols 180 to berearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180 (hereinafter, terminal symbol arrangement). The terminalcontroller 110 then transmits information of the terminal symbolarrangement to the center controller 100, through a control performed bythe game running unit 112.

The terminal display control unit 114 displays the symbols 180 on theterminal display 101 under control of the game running unit 112 and onthe basis of a determination of the rearrangement symbol determiningunit 113. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

Further, the terminal controller 110 includes a not-shown payout awarddetermining unit. The payout award determining unit determines whetherto award a payout, based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 150 of the terminal display 101. The payoutaward control unit 124 causes the payout awarding device 125 to award apayout, based on a determination of the payout award determining unitand an instruction from the center controller 100.

The illumination control unit 131 controls lighting states of theillumination device 130, by lighting the illumination device 130 in apredetermined color, or turning off the illumination device 130. Theillumination control unit 131 is accessible to the bet unit 109 and thecombination symbol determining unit 119. The illumination control unit131 causes the illumination device 130 to light in a predetermined colorupon receiving a side bet signal from the bet unit 109. Further, theillumination control unit 131 lights the illumination device 130 in apredetermined color upon receiving a combination symbol arrangementsignal from the combination symbol determining unit 119.

Meanwhile, each block of the terminal controller 110 may be realizedwith hardware or with software as needed.

(Operation of Terminal Controller 110)

The following describes an operation of the terminal controller 100 inthe above structure. First, the bet unit 109 receives a BET enteredthrough an operation by a player. Then, in response to the operation,the game starting unit 111 outputs a game start signal to cause the gamerunning unit 112 to start a base game. When the base game is started,the rearrangement symbol determining unit 113 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180 (terminal symbol arrangement). The symbols 180 to berearranged and the terminal symbol arrangement are determined at everybase game. The symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symboldetermining unit 113 undergo an image processing in the terminal displaycontrol unit 114, and are displayed on the terminal display 101. Theterminal display control unit 114 rearranges the symbols 180 in thearrangement areas 150, according to the arrangement determined. Thus,the terminal controller 110 executes the third process of rearrangingsymbols 180 in the arrangement areas 150 at a predetermined timing.

Further, a not-shown payout determining unit determines whether to awarda payout according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas 150. When the payout determining unit determines toaward a payout, the payout award control unit 124 causes the payoutawarding device 125 to award a payout. Thus, the terminal controller 110executes the fourth process of awarding a payout according to a relationamong the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150.

Further, the terminal controller 110 transmits, to the center controller100, symbols 180 determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit113 and an arrangement of the symbols 180, based on a predeterminedcondition. An example of such a condition is a shared game being run, orthe like condition. Thus, the terminal controller 110 executes the fifthprocess of, when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting symbols180 determined and an arrangement of the symbols 180 to the centercontroller 100.

When receiving a later-described shared game start signal from thecenter controller 100; i.e., when a shared game is started, the terminalcontroller 110 executes the first process of causing the bet unit 109 toreceive a side bet from a player.

Upon receiving a side bet from a player, the bet unit 109 outputs a sidebet signal. The side bet signal output is input into the illuminationcontrol unit 131. When the side bet signal is input, the illuminationcontrol unit 131 lights the illumination device 130 in a predeterminedcolor. Thus, the terminal display 101 executes the second process ofdifferentiating between how the illumination device 130 lights when aside bet is received and when no side bet is received.

Note that the first and second processes, and the third, fourth andfifth processes are executed in parallel.

Further, the payout award control unit 124 causes the payout awardingdevice 125 to award a progressive payout based on an instruction fromthe center controller 100. Thus, the terminal controller 110 executesthe sixth process of causing the payout awarding device 125 to award apayout based on an instruction from the center controller 100.

(Center Controller 100)

The center controller 100 executes: a seventh process of, when thepredetermined condition is met, receiving symbols 180 and an arrangementof the symbols 180 from one or more terminal controllers 110; an eighthprocess of, combining one symbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal3 with another symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal, andrearranging, on the shared display 102, symbols 180 identical to thosein the one symbol arrangement 190 and the other symbol arrangement 190,wherein (i) the one symbol arrangement 190 include the symbols 180arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and theother symbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged inarrangement areas 150 of the other gaming terminal 3, and (ii) whencombining symbol arrangements 190, a symbol arrangement of a side-betgaming terminal 3 is given a priority; a ninth process of instructingthe terminal controller 110 of the side-bet gaming terminal 3 to award apayout, according to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged on theshared display 102. In other words, the center controller 100 includes aseventh processing unit, an eighth processing unit, and a ninthprocessing unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 38, the center controller 100 is connected to theterminal controller 110 and is in communication with the terminalcontroller 110.

The center controller 100 includes: a progressive storage unit 115, ashared game starting unit 116, a shared game running unit 117, arearrangement symbol determining unit 118, a combination symboldetermining unit 119, a shared display control unit 120, and a payoutdetermining unit 121.

The progressive storage unit 115 stores and sums up a game valueindicated by a progressive signal received from the terminal controller110. The shared game starting unit 116 outputs a shared game startsignal, when the predetermined condition is met. The shared game startsignal output is input to a later-mentioned shared game running unit117. For example, meeting the predetermined situation means a situationwhere a game value stored in the progressive storage unit 115 sums up toa predetermined value or greater.

The shared game running unit 117 runs a shared game, triggered by theshared game start signal received from the shared game starting unit116. In the shared game, symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangementareas 250 of the shared display 102.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 receives information of aterminal symbol arrangement from each of two or more terminalcontrollers 110. Based on the information of the terminal symbolarrangement received, the combination symbol determining unit 119selects symbols 180 and determines an arrangement of the symbols 180(hereinafter, combination symbol arrangement 190). In other words, thecombination symbol arrangement 190 determines at least two combinationsymbol arrangements 190.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 250 and an arrangement of thesymbols 180, by combining the at least two combination symbolarrangements 190. In combining combination symbol arrangements 190, therearrangement symbol determining unit 118 gives a priority to acombination symbol arrangement 190 rearranged in a side-bet gamingterminal 3. That is, the rearrangement symbol determining unit 118determines the symbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas 250and the arrangement of the symbols 180 only with the combination symbolarrangement 190 rearranged in a side-bet gaming terminal 3. Then, if thecombination symbol arrangement 190 of the side-bet gaming terminal 3falls short, the rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determinessymbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement areas 250 and anarrangement of the symbols 180 by adopting a combination symbolarrangement 190 of a gaming terminal 3 having received no side bet.

The shared display control unit 120 displays the symbols 180 on theshared display 102 under control of the shared game running unit 117 andon the basis of a determination of the rearrangement symbol determiningunit 118. A detailed display state will be detailed later.

Further, when a later-described payout determining unit 121 determinesto award a progressive payout, the shared display control unit 120displays effects 195 and 196 indicating that the progressive payout isawarded on the shared display.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout based on a relation among the symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 250 of the shared display 102. Based on a sidebet signal output from the bet unit 109, the payout determining unit 121outputs an instruction to award a progressive payout to the terminalcontroller 110 of a side-bet gaming terminal.

Meanwhile, each block of the center controller 100 may be realized withhardware or with software as needed.

(Operation of Center Controller 100)

The following describes an operation of the center controller 100 in theabove structure. First, the game value is stored and summed in theprogressive storage unit 115. A shared game starts when the stored gamevalue sums up to a predetermined value or greater. The combinationsymbol determining unit 119, during the shared game, receivesinformation of a terminal symbol arrangement from the terminalcontroller 110. Thus, the center controller 100 executes the fifthprocess of receiving, when a predetermined condition is met, symbols 180and arrangements thereof (terminal symbol arrangements) from theterminal controllers 110.

The combination symbol determining unit 119 determines at least twocombination symbol arrangements 190 based on the terminal symbolarrangement received. Further, the combination symbol determining unit119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements 190based on symbols 180 and arrangement thereof in different positions ofthe arrangement areas 150. Further, the combination symbol determiningunit 119 may determine the at least two combination symbol arrangements190 on the row or column basis.

The rearrangement symbol determining unit 118 determines symbols 180 tobe rearranged in the arrangement areas 250, and an arrangement of thesymbols 180. The combination is determined by combining at least twocombination symbol arrangements 190 while giving a priority to thecombination symbol arrangement 190 and the symbols rearranged in aside-bet gaming terminal 3.

The symbols determined by the rearrangement symbol determining unit 118undergo image processing performed on the shared display control unit120, and are displayed on the shared display 102. According to thearrangement thus determined, the shared display control unit 120rearranges the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 250. Thus, thecenter controller 100 executes the eighth process of combining onesymbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3 with another symbolarrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, and rearranging, on theshared display 102, symbols 180 identical to those in the one symbolarrangement 190 and the other symbol arrangement 190, wherein the onesymbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other symbol arrangement190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of theother gaming terminal 3.

The payout determining unit 121 determines whether to award aprogressive payout, according to a relation of the symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 250. Based on a side bet signaloutput from the bet unit 109, the payout determining unit 121 outputs aninstruction to the terminal controller 110 of a side-bet gaming terminal3, to award a progressive payout. Thus, the center controller 100executes the ninth process of instructing the terminal controller 110 ofthe side-bet gaming terminal 3 to award a payout, according to arelation among the symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102.

The above can be rephrased as follows. The center controller 100 causesthe terminal controllers 110 to perform the first process so as toexecute a tenth process of rearranging symbols 180 in the arrangementareas 150 based on running of a game in the gaming terminals 3.

As is obvious from the above operation, gaming machine 1 realizes aplaying method including the steps of: causing the bet unit 109 toreceive a side bet; differentiating between how the illumination device130 lights when a side bet is received and when no side bet is received;rearranging symbols 180 in the arrangement areas 150 at a predeterminedtiming; awarding a payout according to a relation among symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150; when a predetermined conditionis met, transmitting to the center controller 100, information onsymbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150, and an arrangementof the symbols 180; when a predetermined condition is met, receiving thesymbols 180 and an arrangement of the symbols 180 from each terminalcontroller 110; combining one symbol arrangement 190 of one gamingterminal 3 with another symbol arrangement 190 of another gamingterminal 3, and rearranging, on the shared display 102, symbols 180identical to those in the one symbol arrangement 190 and the othersymbol arrangement 190, wherein the one symbol arrangement 190 includesthe symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the one gamingterminal 3, and the other symbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the other gaming terminal 3;instructing the terminal controller 110 of a side-bet gaming terminal 3to award a payout, according to a relationship among the symbols 180rearranged on the shared display 102; and causing the payout awardingdevice 125 to award a payout based on an instruction from the centercontroller 100.

This can be rephrased as follows. The gaming machine 1 realizes aplaying method including the steps of: causing the bet unit to receive aside bet; differentiating between how the illumination device 130 lightswhen a side bet is received and when no side bet is received; for eachof the gaming terminals 3, rearranging symbols 180 in the arrangementareas 150, based on running of a game; awarding a payout according to arelation among the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement areas 150;combining one symbol arrangement 190 of one gaming terminal 3 withanother symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, andrearranging, on the shared display 102, symbols 180 identical to thosein the one symbol arrangement 190 and the other symbol arrangement 190,wherein the one symbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arrangedin arrangement areas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the othersymbol arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the other gaming terminal 3; causing the payout awardingdevice 125 of a side-bet gaming terminal 3 to award a payout, accordingto a relation among symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102.

According to the playing methods, a side bet is received by the bet unitsymbols are arranged at a predetermined timing in the arrangement areason a terminal display of a gaming terminal. Then, a payout is awardedaccording to the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas. When apredetermined condition is met, one symbol arrangement of one gamingterminal is combined with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal while giving a priority to asymbol arrangement of a side-bet gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, the combination of symbol arrangements formed is rearranged on theshared display. A payout is awarded through a side-bet gaming terminal,according to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay. This payout awarded through according to the relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which raises player's expectation for another payoutawarded in addition to the one awarded as a result of the game run inthe gaming terminal. Further, one symbol arrangement of one gamingterminal is combined with symbols identical to those in another symbolarrangement of the terminal display while giving a priority to a symbolarrangement of a side-bet gaming terminal, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal.Then, the combination of symbol arrangements formed is rearranged on theshared display. Thus, one game is formed with the side-bet gamingterminal. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic which givesthe feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participating players. Further,the payout awarding device of a side-bet gaming terminal awards apayout. Thus, a player is given an incentive to place a side bet. Thisrealizes a new entertainment characteristic. Further, the illuminationdevice lights up differently according to (depending on) whether a sidebet is received. Also, the player is able to visually recognize how theillumination device of the gaming terminal light, through which gamingterminal a payout is awarded based on symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay. Thus, the player is given an incentive to place a side bet.This realizes a new entertainment characteristic.

(Display State of Terminal Display 101)

The following details an exemplary display state of the terminal display101 during the operations of the gaming machine 1 and the playing methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where theterminal display 101 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a videoreel in the form of an image, as illustrated in FIG. 39.

As illustrated in the upper left of FIG. 39, the terminal display 101displays an effect 196 to encourage the player to place a side bet uponstarting a shared game.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, a matrix 156 is in the center of the terminaldisplay 101. The matrix 156 includes a symbol column having symbols 180,which is scrolled as illustrated in the upper right of FIG. 39. Thedisplay windows 151 to 155 are respectively divided into upper stages151 a to 155 a, central stages 151 b to 155 b, and lower stages 151 c to155 c. The symbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the stages 151 a to 155a, 151 b to 155 b, and 151 c to 155 c, respectively. For example, inFIG. 39, “DIAMOND” is stopped in 151 a of the upper stage of the displaywindow 151, “7” is stopped in 152 b of the central stage of the displaywindow 152 and “DIAMOND” is stopped in 153 c of the lower stage of thedisplay window 153. In short, the matrix 156 is a symbol matrixincluding five columns/three rows. The matrix 156 however is not limitedto the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

As is illustrated in the upper right of FIG. 39, the terminal display101 variably displays symbols 180 when a base game is started in thegaming terminal 3. When this variable-displaying of symbols 180 stops,symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement areas 150, as illustratedin middle left of FIG. 39. Then, a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols 180 is awarded.

A frame including a part of the symbols 180 thus rearranged is variablydisplayed. Then, symbols 180 and an arrangement thereof within theframe, at the time of stopping the variable-displaying, are determinedas a combination symbol arrangement 190. Specifically, in the exampleshown in the middle right of FIG. 39, a combination symbol arrangement190 a is an arrangement of symbols 180 rearranged in those arrangementareas 151 a to 155 a within the frame. Further, in the example shown inthe lower left of FIG. 39, a combination symbol arrangement 190 b is anarrangement of symbols 180 rearranged in those arrangement areas 151 bto 155 b within the frame. Further, in the example shown in the lowerright of FIG. 39, a combination symbol arrangement 190 c is anarrangement of symbols 180 rearranged in those arrangement areas 151 cto 155 c within the frame.

(Display State of Shared Display 102)

The following details an exemplary display state of the shared display102 during the operations of the gaming machine 1 and the playing methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where theshared display 102 adopts a video reel and arranges symbols on a videoreel in the form of an image, as illustrated in FIG. 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 40, a matrix 256 is in the center of the shareddisplay 102. The matrix 256 includes a symbol column having symbols 180,which is scrolled as illustrated in the upper view of FIG. 40. Thedisplay windows 251 to 255 are divided into upper stages 251 a to 255 a,central stages 251 b to 255 b, and lower stages 251 c to 255 c. Thesymbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the stages 251 a to 255 a, 251 bto 255 b, and 251 c to 255 c, respectively. In short, the matrix 256 isa symbol matrix including five columns/three rows. The matrix 256however is not limited to the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

This shared display 102 displays at its lower part a progressive jackpotvalue 200 as illustrated in FIG. 40. The progressive jackpot value 200is the sum of game values having been accumulated. In FIG. 40 forexample, the progressive jackpot value 200 is 1,929.38 dollars.

As is illustrated in the upper view of FIG. 40, the shared display 102variably displays symbols 180 when a shared game is started. When thisvariable-displaying of symbols 180 stops, symbols 180 are rearranged inthe arrangement areas 250, as illustrated in FIG. 40. Symbols 180 arerearranged in the arrangement areas 250, by combining combination symbolarrangement 190 of each of the terminal displays 101, giving a priorityto symbols rearranged and an arrangement of symbols of a side-bet gamingterminal. Then, whether to award a progressive payout is determinedaccording to a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged. When theprogressive payout is determined to be awarded, on the shared display102 is displayed an effect 195 indicating that the progressive payout isawarded, as is illustrated in the lower view of FIG. 40. The effect 195is a message image of “You won Progressive Payout”. Then, a progressivepayout is awarded through a side-bet gaming terminal 3. Meanwhile, noprogressive payout is awarded through a gaming terminal 3 havingreceived no side bet.

Thus, an effect indicating that a payout is awarded, is displayed on theshared display when it is determined to award a payout. This enables aplayer to more clearly expect a payout based on symbols arranged on theshared display. Thus, a new entertainment characteristic is realized.

Further, a payout is awarded by the payout awarding device of a side-betgaming terminal. Thus, a player is given an incentive to place a sidebet. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic.

(Combination Patterns of Combination Symbol Arrangement 190)

Next, the following describes patterns of combinations of combinationsymbol arrangements 190, based on whether or not a side bet is received.

In an example illustrated in FIG. 41, a combination symbol arrangementin the terminal display 101 (101A) of the gaming terminal 3 numbered 1,is determined as a combination symbol arrangement 190c. Further, acombination symbol arrangement in the terminal display 101 (101B) of thegaming terminal 3 numbered 2, is determined as a combination symbolarrangement 190 b. Further, a combination symbol arrangement in theterminal display 101 (101C) of the gaming terminal 3 numbered 3 isdetermined as a combination symbol arrangement 190 a. A side bet isplaced in each of the two gaming terminals 3 numbered land 2. No sidebet is placed in the gaming terminal 3 numbered 3. Further, three gamingterminals 3 are provided in this embodiment. In this case, threecombination symbol arrangements 190 are necessary for determiningsymbols 180 to be rearranged on the shared display 102, and anarrangement of the symbols 180. Hence, the combination symbolarrangements 190 in all of the gaming terminals 3 are adopted,regardless of whether a side bet is placed in the gaming terminals 3.That is, when it is not possible to determine symbols 180 to berearranged on the shared display 102 only with the combination symbolarrangements 190 of side-bet gaming terminals 3, a combination symbolarrangement 190 of a gaming terminal 3 having received no side bet isalso adopted.

In an example illustrated in FIG. 42, a combination symbol arrangementin the terminal display 101 (101A) of the gaming terminal 3 numbered 1,is determined as a combination symbol arrangement 190 c. Further, acombination symbol arrangement in the terminal display 101 (101B) of thegaming terminal 3 numbered 2, is determined as a combination symbolarrangement 190 a. Further, a combination symbol arrangement in theterminal display 101 (101C) of the gaming terminal 3 numbered 3 isdetermined as a combination symbol arrangement 190 a. A side bet isplaced in each of the three gaming terminals 3 numbered 1, 2, and 3. Noside bet is placed in the gaming terminal 3 numbered 4. Further, fourgaming terminals 3 are provided in this embodiment. In this case, threecombination symbol arrangements 190 are necessary for determiningsymbols 180 to be rearranged on the shared display 102 and anarrangement of the symbols 180. Thus, only the combination symbolarrangements 190 in the side-bet gaming terminals 3 are adopted. Thatis, a combination symbol arrangement 190 of a gaming terminal 3 havingreceived no side bet is not adopted, when it is possible to determinesymbols 180 to be rearranged on the shared display 102 and anarrangement of the symbols 180, only with the combination symbolarrangements 190 of the side-bet gaming terminal 3.

Thus, a combination symbol arrangement 190 of a side-bet gaming terminal3 is given a priority over a combination symbol arrangement 190 of agaming terminal 3 having received no side bet.

Further, as is the case of the combination symbol arrangements 190 a,190 b, and 190 c illustrated in FIG. 41, each combination symbolarrangement 190 is determined based on symbols 180 and an arrangementthereof in the arrangement areas 150 in different positions. However,the combination symbol arrangement 190 may be determined based onsymbols 180 and an arrangement thereof in the arrangement areas 150 inthe same positions, as is the case of the combination symbolarrangements 190 a and 190 c illustrated in FIG. 42. Further,determining the combination symbol arrangements 190 based on symbols 180rearranged in the arrangement areas 150 in different positions andarrangements of the symbols 180 allows players to easily understand howrearranged symbols 180 on the terminal displays 101 are combined andrearranged on the shared display 102. This enhances the feelings of“unity” and “sharing” among participating players.

(Lighting States of Illumination Device 130)

The following describes lighting states of the illumination device 130.The illumination device 130 is a lamp 30 and an upper image displaypanel 33 in this embodiment.

FIG. 43A is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the illuminationdevice 130 lights according to whether or not a side bet is received.The gaming machine includes four gaming terminals 3. A side bet isplaced in each of three gaming terminals 3. The three gaming terminals 3are numbered 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The illumination devices 130 ofthe gaming terminals 3 numbered 1, 2, and 3 are lighting in red.Meanwhile, no side bet is placed in the other gaming terminal 3 numbered4. The illumination device of the gaming terminal 3 numbered 4 is notemitting light. In other words, the light illumination device 130 lightswhen a side bet is received, and does not light when no side bet isreceived.

Thus, the illumination device 130 lights when a side bet is received.Also, a player is able to visually recognize how the illumination device130 of a gaming terminal 3 lights up, through which gaming terminal 3 apayout based on symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102. Thus,a player is given an incentive to place a side bet. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic.

FIG. 43B is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the illuminationdevice 130 lights according to whether or not a side bet is received,and whether or not a symbol arrangement is adopted. As is illustrated inFIG. 43A, three gaming terminals 3 are provided in the example of FIG.43B. A side bet is placed in each gaming terminals numbered 1 and 2. Thecombination symbol arrangements 190 of the gaming terminals 3 areadopted as symbols 180 to be rearranged on the shared display 102.Although no side bet is placed in the gaming terminal numbered 3, thecombination symbol arrangement 190 of the gaming terminal 3 is adoptedas symbols 180 to be rearranged on the shared display 102. No side betis placed in the gaming terminal numbered 4, and the combination symbolarrangement 190 of the gaming terminal 3 is not adopted as symbols 180to be rearranged on the shared display 102. In this case, theillumination devices 130 of the gaming terminals 3 numbered 1 and 2 arelighting in red. The illumination device 130 of the gaming terminal 3numbered 3 is lighting in blue. The illumination device 130 of thegaming terminal 3 numbered 4 is not emitting light.

In other words, each illumination device 130 lights differently based onat least one of whether or not a side bet is placed, and whether or nota combination symbol arrangement 190 rearranged on the terminal display101 is adopted as symbols 180 to be rearranged on the shared display102.

Thus, the illumination device 130 lights differently according towhether or not a side bet is received. Further, a player is able tovisually recognize how the illumination device 130 of the gamingterminal 3 lights, through which gaming terminal 3 a payout based onsymbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102. Thus, a player isgiven an incentive to place a side bet. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic.

(Mechanical Structure of Gaming Machine 1)

Next, the following describes a specific example of mechanical andelectrical structures of the gaming machine 1 thus structured.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the gaming machine 1 includes: gamingterminals 3 which run a game independently from each other; a centercontroller 100 connected to the gaming terminals 3, which is incommunication with the gaming terminals 3 and runs a shared game; ashared display 102 which displays thereon an effect image related to theshared game; a rail 271 which supports the shared display 102 and allowsthe shared display 102 to move to a position immediately above one ofthe gaming terminals 3; and a not-shown drive motor 270 which causes theshared display 102 to move along the rail 271.

As illustrated in FIG. 44, the gaming terminal 3 includes: a cabinet 11,a top box 12 provided above the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 providedon the front surface of the cabinet 11. The main door 13 has a lowerimage display panel 16. The lower image display panel 16 has atransparent liquid crystal panel for displaying various kinds ofinformation. The lower image display panel 16 displays display windows151 to 155 (matrix 156) for arranging therein symbols 180. Further, thelower image display panel 16 displays as needed various information andeffect images related to a game.

Below the lower image display panel 16 provided are a control panel 20,a coin insertion slot 21, a side-bet coin insertion slot 90, and a billvalidator 22. The control panel 20 is provided with various buttons 23to 27. These buttons 23 to 27 allow a player to input instructionsrelated to a game played by the player. Through the coin insertion slot21, a coin is received in the cabinet 11. The side-bet coin insertionslot 90 serving as the bet unit 109 enables a coin to be inserted intothe cabinet 11.

(Electrical structure of Gaming Terminal 3)

FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the entiregaming terminal 3. As illustrated in FIG. 45, the cabinet 11 includes acontrol unit having a terminal controller 110. The control unit includesa motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gamingboard 50, a door PCB 80, various switches, sensors, or the like.

The door PCB 80 is connected to a control panel 20, a reverter 21S, acoin counter 21C, a side-bet reverter 90S serving as the bet unit 109, aside-bet coin counter 90C serving as the bet unit 109, and a coldcathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with: a spin switch23S associated with the spin button 23; a change switch 24S associatedwith the change button 24; a cashout switch 25S associated with thecashout button 25; a 1-BET switch 26S associated with the 1-BET button26; and a maximum BET switch 27S associated with the maximum BET button27. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs a signal to the main CPU 41,when a player presses the associated button.

The side-bet coin counter 90C has the same structure as the coin counter21C, and is for a side bet. Further, the side-bet reverter 90S has thesame structure as the reverter 21S, and is for a side bet.

(Operation of Gaming Terminal 3: Terminal Process Routine)

After the terminal side initial setting routine of FIG. 15, the main CPU41 of the gaming terminal 3 performs a terminal process routine of FIG.46. Through this terminal process routine, a game is run.

As illustrated in FIG. 46, in the terminal process routine, it isdetermined whether a coin is bet (C1). In this step, it is determinedwhether a signal from the 1-BET switch 26S entered by pressing of the1-BET button 26 is received. Meanwhile, it is determined whether asignal from the maximum BET switch 27S entered by pressing of themaximum BET button 27 is received. If no coin is BET (C1: NO), C1 isrepeated until a coin is bet.

On the other hand, if a coin is bet (C1: YES), the credit value storedin the RAM 43 is reduced according to the number of coins bet (C2). Whenthe number of coins bet surpasses the number of coins equivalent to thecredit value stored in the RAM 43, C2 is repeated without the reductionof the credit value. When the number of coins bet exceeds the maximumnumber of coins bettable one game (50 pieces in this embodiment), theprocess goes to a later-described step C3 without the reduction of thecredit value.

Then, it is determined whether a spin button 23 is pressed (C3). If thespin button 23 is not pressed (C3: NO), the process returns to C1. Here,if the spin button 23 is not pressed (for example, the spin button 23 isnot pressed but a command to end the game is input), the reduction ofthe credit value in C2 is canceled.

On the other hand, when the spin button 23 is pressed (C3: YES), aprogressive transmission process is executed (C4). In other words, aprogressive signal indicating a part of the game value bet istransmitted to the center controller 100.

Next executed is a symbol determining process (C5). That is, the stopsymbol determining program stored in the RAM 43 is run to determinesymbols 180 to be arranged in the matrix 156. Through this, a symbolcombination to be formed along the payline L is determined.

Then, the scrolling process is executed to scroll symbols 180 on theterminal display 101 (C6). The scrolling process is a process in whichthe symbols 180 determined in C5 are stopped (rearranged) in the matrix156 after scrolling of symbols 180 in a direction indicated by an arrowsymbol.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether a shared game is running (C7). If ashared game start signal is received from the center controller 100, theCPU 41 determines that the shared game is running. If the CPU 41determines that the shared game is running (C7: YES), a terminal symbolarrangement signal is transmitted to the center controller 100 (C12).The terminal symbol arrangement signal indicates symbols 180 rearrangedin the arrangement areas 150 and an arrangement of the symbols 180(terminal symbol arrangement). Next, the main CPU 41 determines whethera combination symbol arrangement signal from the center controller 100is received (C13). The combination symbol arrangement signal indicates acombination symbol arrangement 190 determined by the center controller100 based on the terminal symbol arrangement signal resulting from C12.When it is determined that no combination symbol arrangement signal isreceived in step C13 (C13: NO), the main CPU 41 executes step C8.Meanwhile, when it is determined that the combination symbol arrangementsignal is received (C13: YES), the main CPU 41 causes the terminaldisplay 101 to scroll the frame. Then, the main CPU 41 stops scrollingthe frame so as to present in the frame the combination symbolarrangement 190 received in C12 (C14). Then, the main CPU 41 determineswhether the bet unit 109 has received a side bet (C15). When it isdetermined that a side bet is received (C15: YES), the main CPU 41executes step C8. Meanwhile, when it is determined that no side bet isreceived (C15: NO), the main CPU 41 causes the lamp 30 and the upperimage display panel 33 to light in blue (C16), and executes step C8. Onthe other hand in C7, if it is determined that no shared game is running(C7: NO), C8 is executed.

Next, it is determined whether symbols 180 rearranged in the matrix 156form a winning combination (C8). If the symbols 180 forms a winningcombination (C8: YES), a payout process is executed (C9). Morespecifically, when a winning combination is formed, the number of coinsaccording to the combination is calculated. On the other hand in C8, ifit is determined that no winning combination is formed (C8: NO), C10 isexecuted.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether a progressive award signal isreceived from the center controller 100 (C10). If the CPU 41 determinesthat a progressive award signal is received (C10:YES), a payout isawarded according to the progressive award signal (C11). The processthen returns to C1. On the other hand in C10, if the CPU 41 determinesthat no progressive award signal is received (C10: NO), the processreturns to C1.

(Operation of Gaming Terminal 3: Side Bet Process Routine)

The main CPU 41 of the gaming terminal 3 executes the side bet processroutine illustrated in FIG. 47, and the gaming terminal process routinein parallel.

In the side bet process routine, the main CPU 41 determined whether ashared game start signal is received from the center controller 100, asillustrated in FIG. 47 (D1). When it is determined that no shared gamestart signal is received (D1: NO), the main CPU 41 executes step D1.Meanwhile, when it is determined that a shared game start signal isreceived (D1: YES), the main CPU 41 causes the bet unit 109 to startreceiving a side bet (D2). Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether asymbol arrangement determining signal is received from the centercontroller 100 (D3), and waits until it is determined that a symbolarrangement determining signal is received (D3: NO). When it isdetermined that a symbol arrangement determining signal is received (D3:YES), the main CPU 41 causes the bet unit 109 to stop receiving the sidebet (D4). Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether the bet unit 109 hasreceived a side bet (D5). When it is determined that the bet unit 109has received no side bet (D5: NO), the main CPU 41 executes step D1.Meanwhile, when it is determined that the bet unit 109 has received aside bet (D5: YES), the main CPU 41 outputs a side bet signal to thecenter controller 100 (D6). Next, the main CPU 41 causes the lamp 30 andthe upper image display panel 33 both serving as the illumination device130 to light in red (D7), and returns to step D1.

(Operation of Center Controller 100: Center Process Routine)

After the center side initial setting routine of FIG. 15, the main CPU241 of the center controller 100 executes a center process routine ofFIG. 48. The main CPU 241 performs the center process routine to run ashared game.

As illustrated in FIG. 48, in the center process routine, the main CPU241 determines whether a progressive signal is received from a gamingterminal 3 (E1). If the main CPU 241 determines that a progressivesignal is received (E1:YES), a game value indicated by the progressivesignal is stored and summed (E2). The process then returns to D1.

On the other hand in E1, if the main CPU 241 determines no progressivesignal is received (E1: NO), the main CPU 241 determines if theprogressive value equals or surpasses a predetermined value (E3). If themain CPU 241 determines that the progressive value is less than thepredetermined value (E3: NO), the process returns to E1. On the otherhand, if the main CPU 241 determines that the progressive value equalsor surpasses the predetermined value (E3: YES), a shared game startsignal is output to each of the gaming terminals 3 (E4). Next, the mainCPU 241 causes the shared display 102 to start scrolling symbols 180(E5). Next, a terminal symbol arrangement signal is received from eachof the gaming terminals 3 (E6). Based on the terminal symbol arrangementsignal, a combination symbol arrangement 190 is determined. Thecombination symbol arrangement 190 thus determined is sent back to thegaming terminals 3 (E7).

Next, the main CPU 241 combines at least two combination symbolarrangements 190 determined in E7, and tries to determine symbols 180and an arrangement of the symbols 180 to be arranged in the arrangementareas 250 of the shared display 102 (E8). If an arrangement is notdetermined (E8: NO), the process returns to E6. On the other hand, if anarrangement is determined (E8: YES), the scrolling of the symbols 180 onthe shared display 102 is stopped to present the arrangement determined(E9). Further, when an arrangement is determined in step E8, a symbolarrangement determining signal is output.

Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether the symbols 180 arranged onthe shared display 102 forms a winning combination (E10). If the mainCPU 241 determines that no winning combination is formed (E10: NO), theprocess returns to E1. On the other hand, if the main CPU 241 determinesthat a winning combination is formed (E10:YES), a later-mentionedprogressive award process routine is called to be executed (E11). Whenthe progressive award process ends, a progressive value consumed issubtracted from the value stored in RAM 243 (E12), and the processreturns to E1.

As is already mentioned, this payout awarded according to the relationamong the symbols rearranged on the shared display realizes a newentertainment characteristic which raises player's expectation foranother payout awarded in addition to the one awarded as a result of thegame run in the gaming terminal.

Further, as described above, one symbol arrangement of one gamingterminal 3 is combined with symbols 180 identical to those in anothersymbol arrangement of the terminal display 101 while giving a priorityto a symbol arrangement of a side-bet gaming terminal 3, wherein the onesymbol arrangement includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other symbol arrangementincludes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the othergaming terminal 3. Then, the combination of symbol arrangements formedis rearranged on the shared display 102. Thus, one game is formed withthe side-bet gaming terminals 3. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic which gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” toparticipating players.

Further, as described above, a payout is awarded by the payout awardingdevice 125 of the side-bet gaming terminal 3. Thus, a player is given anincentive to place a side bet. This realizes a new entertainmentcharacteristic.

Further, as is already mentioned, a single game involving a plurality ofgaming terminals is created by rearranging, on the shared display 102,symbols 180 identical to those in one symbol arrangement 190 of theterminal display 101 in combination with symbols 180 identical to thosein another symbol arrangement 190 of another gaming terminal 3, whereinthe one arrangement 190 includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangementareas 150 of the one gaming terminal 3, and the other arrangement 190includes the symbols 180 arranged in arrangement areas 150 of the othergaming terminal 3. This realizes a new entertainment characteristicwhich gives the feelings of “unity” and “sharing” to participatingplayers.

As described above, the illumination device 130 emits light when a sidebet is received. Further, a player is able to visually recognize how theillumination device 130 of the gaming terminal 3 lights, through whichgaming terminal 3 a payout is awarded based on symbols 180 rearranged onthe shared display 102. Thus, a player is given an incentive to place aside bet. This realizes a new entertainment characteristic.

Further, as described above, the illumination device 130 lightsdifferently according to whether or not a side bet is received. Further,a player is able to visually recognize how the illumination device 130of the gaming terminal 3 lights, through which gaming terminal 3 apayout based on symbols 180 rearranged on the shared display 102. Thus,a player is given an incentive to place a side bet. This realizes a newentertainment characteristic.

Note that the present embodiment deals with a case where the centercontroller 100 determines a combination symbol arrangement based on aterminal symbol arrangement. However, the present invention is notlimited to this. For example, it may be the terminal controller 110which determines a combination symbol arrangement based on a terminalsymbol arrangement.

Note further that the number of gaming terminals 3 is three or four inthe present embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited tothis, provided that at least two gaming terminals 3 are provided.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinabovemainly focused on characteristics thereof for the purpose of easierunderstanding; however, the scope of the present invention shall beconstrued as broadly as possible, encompassing various forms of otherpossible embodiments, and therefore the present invention shall not belimited to the above description. Further, the terms and phraseologyused in the present specification are adopted solely to provide specificillustration of the present invention, and in no case should the scopeof the present invention be limited by such terms and phraseology.Further, it will be obvious for those skilled in the art that the otherstructures, systems, methods or the like are possible, within the spiritof the invention described in the present specification. The descriptionof claims therefore shall encompass structures equivalent to the presentinvention, unless otherwise such structures are regarded as to departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, theabstract is provided to allow, through a simple investigation, quickanalysis of the technical features and essences of the present inventionby an intellectual property office, a general public institution, or oneskilled in the art who is not fully familiarized with patent and legalor professional terminology. It is therefore not an intention of theabstract to limit the scope of the present invention which shall beconstrued on the basis of the description of the claims. To fullyunderstand the object and effects of the present invention, it isstrongly encouraged to sufficiently refer to disclosures of documentsalready made available.

The detailed description of the present invention provided hereinaboveincludes a process executed on a computer or computer network. The abovedescriptions and expressions are provided to allow the one skilled inthe art to most efficiently understand the present invention. A processperformed in or by respective steps yielding one result or blocks with apredetermined processing function described in the present specificationshall be understood as a process with no self-contradiction. Further,the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written inthe respective steps or blocks. It should be noted that such a signal isexpressed in the form of bit, value, symbol, text, terms, number, or thelike solely for the sake of convenience. Although the presentspecification occasionally personifies the processes performed in thesteps or blocks, these processes are essentially executed by variousdevices. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocksare obvious from the above descriptions.

Fifth Embodiment

The following describes a fifth embodiment of a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof according to the present invention. Note thatreference numbers and symbols given to members and steps of flowchartsare only applicable to those described within the present embodiment,and do not represent the members or the steps of the other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 49, the present invention is a gaming machineincluding: a common display which arranges a plurality of symbols in amatrix of arrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each havinga terminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a payout in accordance witha relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller. The presentinvention is embodied as a control method for playing the gamingmachine, including the steps of: putting the side-bet device into aselectable state until the symbols are rearranged in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices; rearranging the symbols inthe arrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; awarding abase payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas; rearranging, on the common display,predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; rearranging the predetermined symbolsthus rearranged, in the arrangement areas on the common display; andawarding a bonus payout in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged.

In this embodiment, the “side-bet game” is a sideshow game which isplayed independently of a main plot of a base game.

A gaming machine 100 which runs the above game includes a controller111, a common display 101, and a plurality of terminal devices 102, asshown in FIG. 50. The common display 101 is adapted to arrange aplurality of symbols 180.

The controller 111 has a side-bet game running unit 113, a COMMON SYMBOLnumber determining unit 114, and a bonus payout determining unit 115.The terminal device 102 has a game starting unit 105, a side-bet device104, a terminal controller 110, a terminal display 103, a base payoutawarding unit 108, and a bonus payout awarding unit 116.

In addition, the terminal controller 110 has a game running unit 106, aside-bet receiving unit 112, a COMMON SYMBOL determining unit 109, and awin determining unit 107.

Here, “arranging” means making a state where symbols 180 are visible toa player. For example, in FIG. 49, it means making a state where symbols180 are displayed in display windows 151 to 155. Arranging symbols 180again after dismissing symbols 180 is called “rearranging”.

The common display 101 and the terminal display 103 may have amechanical structure adopting a reel device which rotates a reel toarrange symbols 180. Alternatively, the common display 101 and theterminal display 103 may have an electrical structure in which a videoreel is displayed as an image to thereby arrange symbols 180. Further, acombination of the mechanical structure (reel) and the electricstructure (video reel) may also be possible. Examples of the electricalstructure include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-raytube), a plasma display device, and the like. A specific structure ofthe common display 101 and the terminal display 103 will be detailedlater.

[Controller 111 and Terminal Controller 110]

The controller 111 and the terminal controller 110 are adapted toperform: a first process of putting the side-bet device 104 into aselectable state until the symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices 102; a second process ofrearranging the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas in the plurality ofterminal devices 102; a third process of awarding a base payout inaccordance with a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas; a fourth process of rearranging, on the commondisplay 101, predetermined ones of the symbols 180 rearranged in theterminal device 102 selected by the side-bet device 104; a fifth processof rearranging the predetermined symbols thus rearranged, in thearrangement areas on the common display 101; and a sixth process ofawarding a bonus payout in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged. In other words, the controller111 and the terminal controller 110 include six process stages.

[Operations of Controller 111 and Terminal Controller 110]

A description will be given to operations of the controller 111 and theterminal controller 110 having the above-described structure. First, theside-bet device 104 is put into a selectable state until symbols 180 arerearranged in the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices102. In short, the terminal controller 110 performs the first process.

Then, after a game value is inserted, triggered by a game start signalfrom the game starting unit 105, the game running unit 106 starts tovariably display the symbols 180 which have been arranged on theterminal display 103. In short, the terminal controller 110 performs thesecond process.

Then, in accordance with a relation among the symbols 180 thusrearranged, the win determining unit 107 awards a base payout throughthe base payout awarding unit 108. In short, the terminal controller 110performs the third process.

Then, the side-bet receiving unit 112 determines whether the side-betdevice 104 has selected to participate in a side-bet game or not. Whenit is determined that the side-bet device 104 has selected toparticipate, the COMMON SYMBOL determining unit 109 detects a totalnumber of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 among the symbols 180rearranged in the terminal display 103, and rearranges the symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181 on the common display 101. In short, the controller111 and the terminal controller 110 performs the fourth process.

Then, the side-bet game running unit 113 rearranges, on the commondisplay 101, the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 rearranged. In short,the controller 111 performs the fifth process.

Then, the COMMON SYMBOL number determining unit 114 detects the numberof symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 thus rearranged. In accordance withthe number of detected symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181, the bonus payoutdetermining unit 115 calculates a bonus payout to be awarded to theterminal device 102 having participated in the side-bet game. Then, thebonus payout awarding unit 116 awards the bonus payout calculated. Inshort, the controller 111 and the terminal controller 110 performs thesixth process.

Each block of the controller 111 and the terminal controller 110 may beformed by hardware or by software as needed.

As seen from the above-described operations, the present invention agaming machine including: a common display 101 which arranges aplurality of symbols 180 in a matrix of arrangement areas; a pluralityof terminal devices 102 each having a terminal display 103 whicharranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas and aside-bet device 104 which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display 101, the terminal device 102 rearranging aplurality of symbols 180 in the arrangement areas on the terminaldisplay 103 and running a game to award a payout in accordance with arelation among the rearranged symbols 180; and a controller 111 and aterminal controller 110. The present invention is embodied as a controlmethod for playing the gaming machine 100, including the steps of:putting the side-bet device 104 into a selectable state until thesymbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement areas in the plurality ofterminal devices 102; rearranging the symbols 180 in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices 102; awarding a base payoutin accordance with a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas; rearranging, on the common display 101, symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181 among the symbols 180 rearranged in the terminaldevice 102 selected by the side-bet device 104; rearranging the symbolsof “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas on thecommon display 101; and awarding a bonus payout in accordance with thenumber of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 thus rearranged.

In the above-described structure, it is possible to rearrange, among thesymbols 180 rearranged in the terminal device 102 selected by theside-bet device 104, the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 on the commondisplay 101, and to award the bonus payout in accordance with the numberof symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 rearranged on the common display 101.A player playing on the terminal device 102 which has made a side-bet isgiven a bonus payout as a result of a side-bet game, which bonus payoutis affected by game results of players playing on neighboring terminaldevices 102. Therefore, the player making a side-bet can sometimes enjoya side-bet game while feeling some togetherness (unity) with playersplaying on neighboring terminal devices 102.

[Mechanical Structure of Slot Machine 1]

The following describes an embodiment where the gaming machine 100having the above-described structure is applied to a slot machine 1 andspecifically structured in mechanical, electrical, and operationalsenses.

The slot machine 1 is placed in a gaming facility or the like. The slotmachine 1 performs a unit game by use of a game value. The game value isa coin, a bill, or a value in the form of electronic information.However, the game value in the present invention is not particularlylimited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money, a ticket and thelike are also possible. Further, the ticket is not particularly limitedand may be a barcoded ticket which will be described later, and thelike.

As shown in FIG. 51, the slot machine 1 is connected in communicationwith terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C which run games independently ofone another. The slot machine 1 has a common display 201 which displaysan image relating to a shared game, a rail 271 which moves the commondisplay 201 to just above each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C,and a not-shown drive motor 270. The common display 201, which serves asa common display to arrange symbols 180, is equivalent to the commondisplay 101 shown in FIG. 50.

As shown in FIG. 52, the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C has a cabinet 11, atop box 12 placed on an upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13provided on a front surface of the cabinet 11. A lower image displaypanel 16A, 16B, 16C is provided on the main door 13. The lower imagedisplay panel 16A, 16B, 16C has a transparent liquid crystal panel whichdisplays various information. The lower image display panel 16A, 16B,16C displays display windows 151 to 155 (a matrix 156) where a pluralityof symbols 180 are arranged. In addition, the lower image display panel16A, 16B, 16C displays as needed game-related various information,effect images, and the like. The common display 201 has the samestructure. The terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C is equivalent to the terminaldevice 102 shown in FIG. 50. The matrix 156 with five columns and threerows in the display windows 151 to 155 are equivalent to the matrix ofarrangement areas. The lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C servingas a terminal display is equivalent to the terminal display 103 shown inFIG. 50.

This embodiment deals with, as an example, a case where the lower imagedisplay panels 16A, 16B, and 16C electrically display symbols 180 tothereby display five columns and three rows of symbols. However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. For example, three columns andthree rows of symbols, or five columns and five rows of symbols, may beacceptable.

In this example, symbols 180 arranged in the display windows 151 to 155are scatter symbols. Here, scatter symbols means such symbols thatactivation occurs (i.e., a payout is awarded, a bonus game is given, orthe like) when a predetermined number of them stop in the matrix ofarrangement areas made up of the five columns and three rows of thedisplay windows 151 to 155. For example, in a base game where scattersymbols are adopted, a payout is awarded when a predetermined number(e.g., five or more) of scatter symbols are displayed in the displaywindows 151 to 155 (fifteen arrangement regions). That is, when apredetermined number of scatter symbols are displayed in the displaywindows 151 to 155, a payout is awarded regardless of display positionsor an arrangement way of the scatter symbols.

Note that the lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C may have a creditvalue indicator and a payout value indicator. The credit value indicatordisplays a total value (hereinafter also referred to as total creditvalue) which the terminal device 3A,3B, 3C can pay out to a player. Thepayout value indicator displays the number of coins to be paid out.

Below the lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C, provided are acontrol panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21, a side-bet coin receivingslot 90, and a bill validator 22. The control panel 20 is provided withbuttons 23 to 27. These buttons 23 to 27 allow a player to inputcommands relating to a game progress. The coin receiving slot 21 and theside-bet coin receiving slot 90 enable coins to be received into thecabinet 11. The side-bet coin receiving slot 90 is equivalent to theside-bet device 104 shown in FIG. 50.

The control panel 20 includes a spin button 23, a change button 24, acashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a MAX-BET button 27. The spinbutton 23 is for inputting a command to start scrolling the symbols 180.The change button 24 is used to ask a staff person of the gamingfacility for money exchange. The cash out button 25 is for inputting acommand to pay out coins corresponding to the total credit-value intothe coin tray 18. The control panel 20 which performs a game in theterminal device is equivalent to the game starting unit 105 shown inFIG. 50.

The 1-BET button 26 is for inputting a command to bet, on a game, onecoins among coins corresponding to the total credit value. The MAX-BETbutton 27 is for inputting a command to bet, on a game, a maximum numberof coins bettable on one game (e.g., fifty coins) among coinscorresponding to the total credit value.

The bill validator 22 validates whether a bill is genuine or not andreceives the genuine bill into the cabinet 11. Note that the billvalidator 22 is capable of reading a barcoded ticket 39 which will bedescribed later. When the bill validator 22 reads the barcoded ticket39, it outputs to the main CPU 41 a read signal relating to what hasbeen read.

On a front surface of a lower part of the main door 13, that is, belowthe control panel 20, a belly glass 34 is provided. On the belly glass34, a character of the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C, or the like is drawn.On a front surface of the top box 12 is provided an upper image displaypanel 33. The upper image display panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel,and displays an effect image, an image representing game introduction orgame rules, or the like.

Further, the top box 12 has a lamp 30 for presenting an effect, and aspeaker 29 for performing an audio output. Below the upper image displaypanel 33 are provided a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a datadisplayer 37, and a keypad 38. The ticket printer 35 prints, on to aticket, a barcode which is an encoded form of data such as acredit-value, time and date, identification number of the terminaldevice 3A, 3B, 3C, and the like. Thereby, the ticket printer 35 issues abarcoded ticket 39. A player can play a game in another gaming terminal3 with the ticket 39 having the barcode, or exchange the ticket 39having the barcode with bill at a change booth of the game arcade.

The card reader 36 reads and writes data from and into a smart card. Thesmart card is carried by a player, and stores therein data foridentifying the player and data relating to a history of games played bythe player, for example.

The data displayer 37 includes a fluorescent display or the like, anddisplays the data read by the card reader 36 and the data input by theplayer through the keypad 38, for example. The keypad 38 is for enteringcommands or data relating to issuing of a ticket.

[Electrical Structure of Slot Machine]

FIGS. 81 and 82 are block diagrams each illustrating an electricalstructure of the entire slot machine 1.

[Electrical Structure of Terminal Device]

FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of theterminal device 3A, 3B, 3C. As illustrated in FIG. 56, a control unit isprovided within the cabinet 11. The control unit includes a motherboard40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, adoor PCB 80, various switches, sensors, or the like.

The gaming board 50 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55, aboot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and anIC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54. The CPU51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 are connected to one another throughan internal bus.

The memory card 53 stores therein a game program and a game systemprogram. The game program contains a stop symbol determining program.The stop symbol determining program determines symbols (code numberscorresponding to the symbols) to be stopped on the matrix 156.

This stop symbol determining program contains sets of symbol weightingdata respectively corresponding to various payout rates (e.g., 80% 84%,and 88%). Each set of the symbol weighting data indicates, for each ofthe display windows 151 to 155, correspondence between a code number ofeach symbol column (symbol lines A to E) and at least one randomnumerical value belonging to a predetermined range. The payout rate isdetermined based on payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54.Based on a set of the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payoutrate determined, a symbol to be stopped is determined.

The memory card 53 stores therein various types of data for use in thegame programs and the game system programs. For example, the memory card53 stores data indicating correspondence between each of symbols 180displayed in the display windows 151 to 155 and a range of a randomnumerical values, in the form of a base game winning combination lotterytable 130 (see FIG. 58). The memory card 53 also stores payout datawhich are based on a lottery result obtained from the base game winningcombination lottery table 130, in the form of a base game payout table131 (see FIG. 59). These data are transferred to a RAM 43 of themotherboard 40, at the time of running game programs.

The card slot 53S is structured so as to allow the memory card 53 to beattached and detached to and from the card slot 53S. This card slot 53Sis connected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus. Thus, a type andcontents of a game run by the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C can be changedby detaching the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing adifferent game program and a different game system program into thememory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 back into the card slot53S.

The game programs include a program relating to a game progress. Thegame programs also include data of images and sounds to be outputtedduring a game.

The GAL 54 has input and output ports. When the GAL 54 receives data viathe input port, it outputs, from its output port, data corresponding tothe input data.

The IC socket 54S is structured so as to allow the GAL 54 to be attachedand detached to and from the IC socket 54S. The IC socket 54S isconnected to the motherboard 40, via a PCI bus. Thus, data to be outputfrom the GAL 54 can be changed by detaching the GAL 54 from the ICsocket 54S, overwriting the program stored in the GAL 54, and thenattaching the GAL 54 back to the IC socket 54S.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 connected to one anotherthrough the internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 through aPCI bus. The PCI bus communicates signals between the motherboard 40 andthe gaming board 50, and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to thegaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification informationand an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminaryauthentication program, a program (boot code) for enabling the CPU 51 torun the preliminary authentication program, and the like.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program)for authenticating the game program and the game system program. Theauthentication program is a program for confirming and verifying thatthe game program and the game system program are not falsified. In otherwords, the authentication program is described in accordance with aprocedure for authenticating the game program and the game systemprogram. The preliminary authentication program is a program forauthenticating the authentication program. The preliminaryauthentication program is described in accordance with a procedure forverifying that the authentication program to be authenticated is notfalsified, that is, for authenticating the authentication program.

The motherboard 40 has a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM(Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44. Themotherboard 40 acting as a controller corresponds to the terminalcontroller 110 shown in FIG. 50.

The main CPU 41 controls the entire terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C. Inparticular, the main CPU 41 controls the following operations of:outputting a command signal for making the graphic board 68 variablydisplay symbols 180, at a time when the spin button 23 is pressed afterbetting of credit; determining symbols 180 to be stopped after thevariable-displaying of symbols 180; and stopping the symbols 180 thusdetermined in the display windows 151 to 155. The main CPU 41corresponds to the game running unit 106, the COMMON SYMBOL determiningunit 109, and the win determining unit 107 shown in FIG. 50.

In other words, the main CPU 41 serves to control arrangement, byscrolling symbols displayed in the lower image display panels 16A, 16B,16C, then selecting and determining symbols to be rearranged fromvarious kinds of symbols, to rearrange new symbols, and stoppingscrolling of the symbols to present the symbols thus determined.

The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) runby the main CPU 41, and permanently-used data. When the BIOS is run bythe main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices is initialized, and the gameprogram and the game system program stored in the memory card 53 areread out through the gaming board 50. The RAM 43 stores data or aprogram used for the main CPU 41 to perform a process. For example, thebase game winning combination lottery table 130, the base game payouttable 131, a game running processing program, and a side-bet processingprogram are stored in the RAM 43. In addition, a credit value is storedin the RAM 43.

The communication interface 44 communicates with a central control board210 through a communication line. Further, a main body PCB (PrintedCircuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 are connected to the motherboard 40,respectively through USBs (Universal Serial Buses). Further, a powerunit 45 is connected to the motherboard 40. When the power unit 45supplies power to the motherboard 40, the main CPU 41 of the motherboard 40 is booted and in addition power is supplied to the gaming board50 through the PCI bus so that the CPU 51 is booted.

Various devices or units which generate signals to be input to the mainCPU 41, and various devices or units whose operations are controlled bysignals output from the main CPU 41 are connected to the main body PCB60 and the door PCB 80. Based on a signal input to the main CPU 41, themain CPU 41 runs the game program and the game system program stored inthe RAM 43, to perform an arithmetic process. Then, the main CPU 41stores a result of the arithmetic process in the RAM 43, or performs acontrol process on various devices and units by transmitting a controlsignal to the various devices and units.

A lamp 30, a hopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, thespeaker 29, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36,a key switch 38S, and a data displayer 37 are connected to main body PCB60.

The lamp 30 is turned on/off based on a control signal from the main CPU41.

The hopper 66 is mounted within the cabinet 11 and pays out apredetermined number of coins through a coin outlet 19 into the cointray 18, based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coinsensor 67 is provided inside the coin outlet 19. When the coin sensor 67senses that a predetermined number of coins have been delivered from thecoin outlet 19, the coin sensor 67 outputs a signal to be input to themain CPU 41. The hopper 66 corresponds to the base payout awarding unit108 and the bonus payout awarding unit 116 shown in FIG. 50.

The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper image displaypanel 33 and the lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C, based on acontrol signal from the main CPU 41. Further, the graphic board 68 isprovided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image databased on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM fortemporarily storing the image data generated by the VDP, and the like.Note that image data used at the time when the VDP generates the imagedata are included in the game program which has been read out from thememory card 53 and stored into the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 reads an image on a bill and takes only onerecognized to be genuine into the cabinet 11. When taking in a genuinebill, the bill validator 22 outputs, to the main CPU 41, an input signalbased on a value of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores into the RAM 43 acredit value equivalent to the value of the bill indicated by thesignal.

Based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, the ticketprinter 35 prints a barcode on a ticket, and outputs it as a barcodedticket 39. The barcode contains encoded data of the credit value storedin the RAM 43, time and date, an identification number of the terminaldevice 3A, 3B, 3C, and the like.

The card reader 36 reads out data from the smart card and transmits thedata to the main CPU 41. Further, the card reader 36 writes data intothe smart card based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.The key switch 38S is mounted to the keypad 38, and outputs a signal tothe main CPU 41 in response to a player's operation on the keypad 38.The data displayer 37 displays, based on a control signal output fromthe main CPU 41, data read by the card reader 36 or data input by theplayer through the key pad 38.

A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, a side-betreverter 90S, a side-bet coin counter 90C, and a cold cathode tube 81are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20 is provided with:a spin switch 23S associated with the spin button 23; a change switch24S associated with the change button 24; a cashout switch 25Sassociated with the cashout button 25; a 1-BET switch 26S associatedwith the 1-BET button 26; and a MAX-BET switch 27S associated with theMAX-BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs a signal tothe main CPU 41, when a player presses the associated button.

The coin counter 21C and the side-bet coin counter 90C are providedwithin the coin receiving slot 21 and the side-bet coin receiving slot90, and identifies whether coins inserted into the coin receiving slot21 and the side-bet coin receiving slot 90 by the player are genuine. Acoin other than a genuine coin is discharged from the coin outlet 19.The coin counter 21C and the side-bet coin counter 90C output an inputsignal to the main CPU 41 upon detection of a genuine coin. The side-betcoin counter 90C corresponds to the side-bet receiving unit 112 shown inFIG. 50.

The reverter 21S and the side-bet reverter 90S are operated based on acontrol signal output from the main CPU 41. The reverter 21S and theside-bet reverter 90S distribute a coin, which the coin counter 21C andthe side-bet coin counter 90C has recognized as a genuine coin, to thehopper 66 or a cash box (not shown) mounted in the terminal device 3A,3B, 3C. In other words, when the hopper 66 is full of coins, genuinecoins are distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S and theside-bet reverter 90S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not yetfull of coins, genuine coins are distributed into the hopper 66. Thecold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rear sides ofthe lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C and the upper image displaypanel 33. The cold cathode tube 81 turns on based on a control signaloutput from the main CPU 41.

[Base Game Winning Combination Lottery Table]

A base game winning combination lottery table 130 which is used in agame running process executed by the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 58. FIG. 58 is an explanatory viewshowing a base game winning combination lottery table. The base gamewinning combination lottery table 130 is stored in the RAM 43, and readduring a symbol determining process of the game running process whichwill be described later.

As shown in FIG. 58, random numerical values used in the base gamewinning combination lottery table 130 ranges from 0 to 5998. When arandom numerical value sampled by the main CPU 41 is 0 to 22, a winningcombination of “HEART” 182 is made, and five symbols 180 presenting“HEART” 182 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155. When a randomnumerical value sampled by the main CPU 41 is 23 to 51, a winningcombination of “MOON” 183 is made, and

five symbols 180 of “MOON” 183 are stopped in the display windows 151 to155. Likewise, when a random numerical value is 52 to 107, a winningcombination of “K” 186 is made. When a random numerical value is 108 to207, a winning combination of “A” 184 is made. When a random numericalvalue is 208 to 407, a winning combination of “Q” 187 is made. When arandom numerical value is 408 to 707, a winning combination of “J” 185is made. When a random numerical value is 708 to 1107, a winningcombination of “10” 188 is made. When a random numerical value sampledby the main CPU 41 is 1108 to 5998, it means a loss, and a losingcombination of symbols 180, which is different from any of theabove-mentioned winning combinations, is stopped in the display windows151 to 155. Here, making any of these combinations is referred to asmaking a win.

[Base Game Payout Table]

Next, a base game payout table 131 will be described with reference toFIG. 59. The base game payout table 131 indicates the number of coins tobe paid out for a winning combination determined by the base gamewinning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 58. FIG. 59 shows a basegame payout table. The base game payout table is stored in the RAM 43,and read during a payout process of the game running process which willbe described later.

For a result of sampling using the base game winning combination lotterytable 130, coins are paid out in accordance with a winning combinationdisplayed in the display windows 151 to 155 based on the base gamepayout table 131.

More specifically, when five symbols 180 of “HEART” 182 are stopped inthe display windows 151 to 155, fifty coins are paid out. When fivesymbols 180 of “MOON” 183 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155,thirty coins are paid out as a payout. Likewise, when five symbols 180of “K” 186 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155, twenty-fivecoins are paid out as a payout. When five symbols 180 of “A” 184 arestopped in the display windows 151 to 155, twenty coins are paid out asa payout. When five symbols 180 of “Q” 187 are stopped in the displaywindows 151 to 155, fifteen coins are paid out as a payout. When fivesymbols 180 of “J” 185 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155,ten coins are paid out as a payout. When five symbols 180 of “10” 188are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155, five coins are paid outas a payout. When a lottery results in losing, and a losing combinationof symbols 180, which is different from any of the above-mentionedwinning combinations, is stopped in the display windows 151 to 155, zerocoin is paid out as a payout. Note that, when one coin is inserted for agame, the above-mentioned number of coins are paid out as a payout. Whentwo or more coins are inserted for one game, the number of coinsactually paid out is the number of inserted coins being multiplied bythe above-mentioned number of coins paid out.

[Electrical Structure of Central Control Board]

FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of thecentral control board 210. A control unit is provided within the centralcontrol board 210. The control unit includes a motherboard 240, a gamingboard 250, an actuator, and the like. The central control board 210functioning as a controller corresponds to the controller 111 shown inFIG. 50.

The gaming board 250 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 251, a ROM 255,a boot ROM 252, a card slot 253S corresponding to a memory card 253, andan IC socket 254S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 254. TheCPU 251, the ROM 255, and the boot ROM 252 are connected to one anotherthrough an internal bus. In other words, the gaming board 250 has thesame structure and the same functions as those of the gaming board 50.

The motherboard 240 has a main CPU 241, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 242, aRAM (Random Access Memory) 243, a power unit 245, a graphic board 268, acommon display 201 connected to the graphic board 268, and acommunication interface 244. The RAM 243 stores therein a COMMON SYMBOLnumber determining program, a COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132, aside-bet game payout table 133, and a side-bet game running processingprogram.

The common display 201 has a transparent liquid crystal panel whichdisplays various information. The common display 201 displays displaywindows 231 to 235 where a plurality of symbols 180 are arranged. Inaddition, the common display 201 displays as needed game-related variousinformation, effect images, and the like.

This embodiment deals with, as an example, a case where the commondisplay 201 electrically displays symbols 180 to arrange the symbols 180in five columns and three rows. However, this is not limitative. Thesymbols 180 may be arranged in three columns and three rows, or fivecolumns and five rows, for example.

In this embodiment, moreover, symbols 180 displayed in the displaywindows 231 to 235 are symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181. In other words,the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 correspond to the predetermined onesof symbols 180 rearranged in the terminal devices 3A, 3B and 3C, whichone are arranged in the display windows 231 to 235.

The main CPU 241 controls the entire central control board 210. Inparticular, the main CPU 241 controls the following operations of:outputting a command signal for making the graphic board 268 variablydisplay symbols 180, at a time when a game using the common display 201is run; determining symbols 180 to be stopped after thevariable-displaying of symbols 180; and stopping the symbols 180 thusdetermined in the display windows 231 to 235. The main CPU 241corresponds to the side-bet game running unit 113 shown in FIG. 50. Themain CPU 241 also corresponds to the COMMON SYMBOL number determiningunit 114, and the bonus payout determining unit 115 shown in FIG. 50.

The communication interface 224 communicates with the communicationinterfaces 44 of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C through acommunication line.

The graphic board 268 has the same structure as that of the graphicboard 68, except that the graphic board 268 controls image displaying onthe common display 201 based on a control signal output from the mainCPU 241.

The drive motor 270 is a stepping motor and is connected to a not-showndrive wheel. The drive motor 270 is driven based on a control signaloutput from the main CPU 241, and rotates the drive wheel to move thecommon display 201 on the rail 271.

[Common Symbol Number Lottery Table]Next, with reference to FIG. 60, adescription will be given to a COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132 bywhich the number of symbols of COMMON SYMBOL (CS) to be arranged on thecommon display 201 are determined. FIG. 60 is an explanatory viewshowing a COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table. The COMMON SYMBOL numberlottery table 132 is stored in the RAM 243, and read during a COMMONSYMBOL number determining process of the side-bet game running processwhich will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 60, random numerical values adopted in the COMMONSYMBOL number lottery table 132 ranges from 0 to 11999. When a randomnumerical value sampled by the main CPU 241 is 0 to 5, symbols 180 arestopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total offifteen symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numericalvalue sampled is 6 to 16, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows231 to 235 so as to display a total of fourteen symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS).

Likewise, when a random numerical value is 17 to 47, symbols 180 arestopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total ofthirteen symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numericalvalue is 48 to 167, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231to 235 so as to display a total of twelve symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS). When a random numerical value is 168 to 401, symbols 180 arestopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total ofeleven symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical valueis 402 to 705, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235so as to display a total of ten symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). Whena random numerical value is 706 to 1110, symbols 180 are stopped in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of nine symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value is 1111 to 1616,symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as todisplay a total of eight symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) When arandom numerical value is 1617 to 2216, symbols 180 are stopped in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of seven symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) When a random numerical value is 2217 to 2816,symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as todisplay a total of six symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a randomnumerical value is 2817 to 3416, symbols 180 are stopped in the displaywindows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of five symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value is 3417 to 4116, symbols180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display atotal of four symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a randomnumerical value is 4117 to 5216, symbols 180 are stopped in the displaywindows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of three symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value is 5217 to 6216, symbols180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display atotal of two symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numericalvalue is 6217 to 8216, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows231 to 235 so as to display a total of one symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS). When a random numerical value sampled is 8217 to 11999, itmeans a loss and symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to235 so as to display a total of zero symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS).

[Side-Bet Game Payout Table]

Next, a side-bet game payout table 133 will be described with referenceto FIG. 61. The side-bet game payout table 133 indicates the number ofcoins to be paid out in accordance with the total number of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) rearranged in the display windows 231 to 235 andthe number of terminal devices participating in the side-bet game. FIG.61 shows a side-bet game payout table.

As a result of sampling with the COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132shown in FIG. 60, coins are paid out in accordance with the total numberof symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) which have been displayed in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 based on the side-bet game payout table 133.

To be more specific, in a case where the total number of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is zero, coins to be paid out is zeroirrespective of the number of terminal devices participating in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is one, coins to be paid out is five when three terminaldevices participate in the side-bet game, five when two terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game, and ten when one terminal deviceparticipates in the side-bet game. In a case where the total number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is two, coins to be paid out is tenwhen three terminal devices participate in the side-bet game, ten whentwo terminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and twenty whenone terminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case wherethe total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is three, coinsto be paid out is fifteen when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, twenty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and thirty when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is four, coins to be paid out is twenty when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, twenty-five when twoterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and forty when oneterminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case where thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is five, coins to bepaid out is twenty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, thirty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and fifty when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is six, coins to be paid out is thirty when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, thirty-five when twoterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and sixty when oneterminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case where thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is seven, coins to bepaid out is thirty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, forty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and seventy when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is eight, coins to be paid out is forty when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, forty-five when twoterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and eighty when oneterminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case where thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is nine, coins to bepaid out is forty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, fifty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and ninety when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game.

In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)is ten, coins to be paid out is fifty when three terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game, and sixty when two terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game. In a case where the total number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is eleven, coins to be paid out isfifty-five when three terminal devices participate in the side-bet game,and seventy when two terminal devices participate in the side-bet game.In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)is twelve, coins to be paid out is sixty when three terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game, and seventy-five when two terminaldevices participate in the side-bet game. In a case where the totalnumber of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is thirteen, coins to bepaid out is sixty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and eighty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is fourteen, coins to be paid out is seventy when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and eighty-five whentwo terminal devices participate in the side-bet game. In a case wherethe total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is fifteen, coinsto be paid out is seventy-five when three terminal devices participatein the side-bet game, and ninety when two terminal devices participatein the side-bet game.

[Display State of Display Windows 151 to 155 of Terminal Device]

The following details an exemplary display state of the lower imagedisplay panels 16A, 16B, and 16C of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3Cduring operations of the slot machine 1 and the controlling methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where symbols180 are arranged in the display windows 151 to 155 by means of a videoreel method, as shown in FIGS. 74 and 78.

The lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C has display windows 151 to155 where symbols 180 are arranged. The display windows 151 to 155 aredisposed at a center part of the lower image display panel 16A, 16B,16C. In the display windows 151 to 155, symbol columns (symbol lines Ato E) each made up of symbols 180 are scrolled (see FIG. 53). Thedisplay windows 151 to 155 are respectively divided into a-stages 151 ato 155 a, b-stages 151 b to 155 b, and c-stages 151 c to 155 c. Thesymbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the stages 151 a to 155 a, 151 bto 155 b, and 151 c to 155 c, respectively. For example, in FIG. 53, onthe lower image display panel 16A of the terminal device 3A, a symbol of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is stopped in the a-stage 151 a of the displaywindow 151, a symbol of “J” 185 is stopped in the central stage 151 b ofthe display window 151, and a symbol of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) isstopped in the lower stage 153 c of the display window 153. In short,the display windows 151 to 155 displays a matrix 156 as an arrangementregion made up of five columns and three rows. The matrix 156 however isnot limited to the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

In a basic game (base game), a payout awarding process such as payingout coins is executed when a predetermined number of symbols 181 to 188called scatter symbols are displayed on the lower image display panel16A, 16B, 16C as a winning combination. Scatter symbols are symbolswhich provide an effective result (such as awarding a payout, giving abonus game, or the like) merely when a predetermined number of them arestopped on any of the display areas of the arrangement region made up offive columns and three rows of the display windows 151 to 155. Forexample, when five symbols of “J” 185, which is one of the scattersymbols shown in FIG. 53, are rearranged (displayed) in the displaywindows 151 to 155, ten coins are paid out as a payout. When fivesymbols of “HEART” 182, which is one of the scatter symbols, arerearranged (displayed) in the display windows 151 to 155, fifty coinsare paid out as a payout.

Although in this embodiment the symbols 181 to 188 are defined asscatter symbols, this is not limitative and only a specific symbol maybe defined as a scatter symbol. Alternatively, a player may select ascatter symbol. It may also be possible that a coin payout process orthe like is executed when a predetermined combination of symbols isstopped on a payline L extending horizontally through the b-stages (151b to 155 b) of the display windows 151 to 155. That is, the payline L isfor determining a combination of symbols 180. When symbols 180 arerearranged on the payline L and outside the payline L, only the symbols180 rearranged on the payline are judged for a combination. It maybepossible that, when a winning combination is made as a result of thedetermination of a combination, a coin payout process or the like isexecuted.

[Display State of Display Windows 231 to 235 of Common display]

FIG. 54 shows a state where: symbols 180 are rearranged in the displaywindows 151 to 155 in a base game of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and3C; among the rearranged symbols 180, symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)are rearranged in the display windows 231 to 235 of the common display201; and further the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are rearrangedin the display windows 231 to 235 as a side-bet game. For example, asshown in FIG. 53, a base game is executed so that symbols 180 aresequentially rearranged in the display windows 151 to 155.

Thus, all the symbols 180 are rearranged. More specifically, threesymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are arranged in the display windows151 to 155 of the terminal device 3A, two symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS) are arranged in the display windows 151 to 155 of the terminaldevice 3B, and five symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are arranged inthe display windows 151 to 155 of the terminal device 3C.

A total of the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) arranged in theterminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C are rearranged in the display windows231 to 235 of the common display 201. More specifically, ten symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are arranged in the display windows 231 to 235of the common display 201. The symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thusrearranged are scrolled and then rearranged again. More specifically,six symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are rearranged in the displaywindows 231 to 235 of the common display 201.

[Symbol Column, etc.]

Symbols 180 displayed in the display windows 151 to 155 of the lowerimage display panel 16A, 16B, 16C of the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C formfive symbol columns (symbol lines A to E) each including twenty-twosymbols, as shown in FIG. 55. To each of the symbols 180 constitutingthe columns are given one of code numbers 00 to 21. Each of the symbolcolumns has a combination of picture symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181,“HEART” 182, and “MOON” 183, and letter symbols of “A” 184, “J” 185, “K”186, “Q” 187, and “10” 188.

Three successive symbols in the symbol columns are displayed (arranged)in the upper stages 151 a, 152 a, 153 a, 154 a, 155 a, the center stages151 b, 152 b, 153 b, 154 b, 155 b and the lower stages 151 c, 152 c, 153c, 154 c, 155 c of the display windows 151 to 155, respectively, to forma matrix of five columns and three rows in the display windows 151 to155. When a BET button is pushed and then a start button is pushed tostart a game, the symbols forming the matrix are scrolled. When apredetermined period of time has elapsed after scroll is started, thescroll of each symbol is stopped (rearranged).

The symbols 181 to 188 are set as scatter symbols. Scatter symbols aresuch symbols that a player is put into an advantageous position when apredetermined number or more of them are displayed in the displaywindows 151 to 155. The advantageous position is a state where coinscorresponding to the scatter symbols are paid out, a state where thenumber of coins to be paid out is added to a credit, or the like.

For example, when five or more symbols of “MOON” 183 are stopped in thedisplay windows 151 to 155, thirty coins (game media) per bet are paidout.

In this embodiment, symbols 180 to be arranged in the display windows231 to 235 of the common display 201 are only the symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181. A bonus payout is awarded in accordance with the number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 arranged in the display windows 231 to235.

In this embodiment, a game value is paid out when a predetermined numberof predetermined symbols are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155.However, a bonus game may be given instead. The bonus game is a gamingstate which is more advantageous than a basic game. For example, thebonus game is a free game. The free game is a game allowing a player toplay a game a predetermined number of times without betting a coin. Noparticular limitation is put on the bonus game, as long as it is agaming state advantageous to the player, that is, it is moreadvantageous than the basic game. For example, the bonus game mayinclude a state where more game media are obtainable than in the basicgame, a state where a game medium is obtainable with higher probabilitythan in the basic game, a state where a game medium is less consumedthan in the basic game, and the like. Specifically, a free game, asecond game, a feature game, and the like may be mentioned as examplesof the bonus game.

[Operation of Slot Machine]

Next, various processes executed in the slot machine 1 will bedescribed. As the main CPU 41 and the main CPU 241 read out and executeprograms stored in the ROM 42, the RAM 43, the ROM 242, and the RAM 243,processes relating to various games are run.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Boot Process]

The following describes a boot process which takes place in the slotmachine 1. Upon powering on the slot machine 1, a boot processingroutine shown in FIG. 62 starts in the mother board 240 and gaming board250 in the central control board 210, and in the mother board 40 and thegaming board 50 in the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C. The memory cards53 and 253 are assumed to be inserted into the card slots 53S and 253Sof the gaming boards 50 and 250, respectively. Further, the GALs 54 and254 are assumed to be attached to the IC sockets 54S and 254S,respectively.

First, turning on the power switch of (powering on) the power units 45and 245 boots the motherboards 40 and 240, and the gaming boards 50 and250. Booting the motherboards 40 and 240 and the gaming boards 50 and250 starts separate processes in parallel. Specifically, in the gamingboard 50 and 250, the CPUs 51 and 251 read out preliminaryauthentication programs stored in the boot ROMs 52 and 252,respectively. Then, preliminary authentication is performed according tothe read out programs so as to confirm and authenticate that nomodification is made to authentication programs, before reading theminto the motherboards 40 and 240, respectively (S1). Meanwhile, the mainCPUs 41 and 241 of the motherboards 40 and 240 run BIOS stored in theROMs 42 and 242 to load into the RAMs 43 and 243 compressed data builtin the BIOS, respectively (S2). Then, the main CPUs 41 and 241 run aprocedure of the BIOS according to the data loaded into the RAMs 43 and243 so as to diagnose and initialize various peripheral devices (S3).

The main CPUs 41 and 241, which are respectively connected to the ROMs55 and 255 of the gaming boards 50 and 250 via PCI buses, read outauthentication programs stored in the ROMs 55 and 265 and store theminto the RAMs 43 and 243 (S4). During this step, the main CPUs 41 and241 each derives a checksum through ADDSUM method (a standard checkfunction) which is adopted in a standard BIOS, and store theauthentication programs into the RAMs 43 and 243 while confirming if theoperation of storing is carried out without an error.

Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 each checks what connects to the IDE bus.Then, the main CPUs 41 and 241 accesses, via the IDE buses, to thememory cards 53 and 253 inserted into the card slots 53S and 253S, andread out game programs and game system programs from the memory cards 53and 253. In this case, the main CPUs 41 and 241 each reads out fourbytes of data constituting the game program and the game system programat one time. Next, in accordance with the authentication programs storedin the RAMs 43 and 243, the main CPUs 41 and 241 authenticate the gameprogram and the game system program read out to confirm and prove thatthese programs are not modified (S5).

When the authentication properly ends, the main CPUs 41 and 241 writeand store the authenticated game programs and game system programs intoRAMs 43 and 243 (S6).

Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 accesses, via the PCI buses, to the GALs54 and 254 attached to the IC socket 54S and 254S, and read out datafrom the GALs 54 and 254, respectively. The data read out is thenwritten and stored in the RAMs 43 and 243 (S7).

Next, the main CPUs 41 and 241 read out, via the PCI buses, countryidentification information stored in the ROMs 55 and 255 of the gamingboards 50 and 250, respectively. The country identification informationread out is then written and stored in the RAMs 43 and 243 (S8).

After this, the main CPUs 41 and 241 each performs an initial processshown in FIG. 63.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Initial Process]

The following describes an initial process which takes place in the slotmachine 1. When the boot process of FIG. 62 is completed, the centralcontrol board 210 reads out from the RAM 243 a center side initialsetting routine illustrated in FIG. 63 and executes the routine.Meanwhile, the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C reads out from the RAM 43 aterminal side initial setting routine illustrated in FIG. 63 andexecutes the routine. The center side and terminal side initial settingroutines are executed in parallel.

First, the main CPU 41 of each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3Cchecks operations of work memories such as the RAM 43, various sensors,various driving mechanisms, and various decorative illuminations (A1).Then, the main CPU 41 determines if all the check results are normal(A2). If the main CPU 41 determines that the check results contains anerror (A2: NO), the main CPU 41 outputs a signal notifying the error(hereinafter, error signal) to the central control board 210 (A3).Further, the main CPU 41 reports the error in the form of illuminatingthe lamp 30 or the like (A4), and then ends the routine.

On the other hand in A2, if the main CPU 41 determines that all thecheck results are normal (A2: YES), an initial setting signal is outputto the central control board 210 (A5). Then, an initial setting signalis waited from the central control board 210 (A6, A7: NO).

The main CPU 241 of the central control board 210 receives signals fromeach of the terminals (B1). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether asignal received is an error signal (B2). If the main CPU 241 determinesthat the signal is an error signal (B2: YES), the main CPU 241 outputsan error signal to a management server such as a not-shown host computer(B9) to report the error (B10), and ends the routine.

On the other hand in B2, if the main CPU 241 determines that the signalis not an error signal (B2:NO), the main CPU 241 determines whether apredetermined time (check time) has elapsed from the time of powering on(B3). If the main CPU 241 determines that the check time has elapsed(B3: YES), B9 is executed. On the other hand, if the main CPU 241determines that the check time has not yet elapsed (B3:NO), it isdetermined whether an initial setting signal is received from each ofthe terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C (B4). If the main CPU 241 determinesthat an initial setting signal from any one of the terminal devices 3A,3B, and 3C is not received (B4: NO), the process returns to B1. On theother hand, if it is determined that initial setting signals from allthe terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C are received (B4: YES), the main CPU241 checks operations of work memories such as RAM 243 or the like,various sensors, various driving mechanisms, and various decorativeilluminations (B5). Then, the main CPU 241 determines whether all thecheck results are normal (B6). If the main CPU 241 determines the checkresults contains an error (B6: NO), the main CPU 241 executes B9.

On the other hand in B6, if the main CPU 241 determines that all thecheck results are normal (B6: YES), the main CPU 241 outputs an initialsetting signal to all the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C (B7), andcauses the common display 201 to display a demo-screen (B8). Then, themain CPU 241 ends the routine.

In A7, the main CPU 41 of each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3Cdetermines that an initial setting signal is received from the centralcontrol board 210 (A7: YES), and causes the upper image display panel 33to display a demo-screen (A8). The main CPU 41 then ends the routine.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Game Running Process]

After the terminal side initial setting routine of FIG. 63, the main CPU41 of the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C reads out and executes the gameprogram and the game system program sequentially, thereby executing agame running process shown in FIG. 64. A game running processing programis stored in the RAM 43.

The main CPU 41 of the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C executes the gamerunning process shown in FIG. 64. When the game running process is run,first, the main CPU 41 determines whether a coin is bet or not (C1). Inthis step, whether an input signal from the 1-BET switch 26S entered bypressing of the 1-BET button 26 is received or not is determined.Meanwhile, whether an input signal from the maximum BET switch 27Sentered by pressing of the maximum BET button 27 is received or not isdetermined. If no coin is BET (C1: NO), C1 is repeated so that a standbystate continues until a coin is bet.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a coin is bet (C1: YES), thecredit value stored in the RAM 43 is reduced according to the number ofcoins bet (C2). When the number of coins bet surpasses the number ofcoins equivalent to the credit value stored in the RAM 43, the creditvalue is reduced to zero and he step C3 is performed. When the number ofcoins bet exceeds the maximum number of coins bettable on one game (50pieces in this embodiment), the credit value is reduced by fifty and thestep C3 is performed.

Then, whether a spin button 23 is turned on or not is determined (C3).If the spin button 23 is not turned on (C3: NO), the process returns toC1. Here, if the spin button 23 is not turned on (for example, the spinbutton 23 is not turned on but a command to end the game is input), thereduction of the credit value in C2 is canceled.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the spin button 23 isturned on (C3: YES), a symbol determining process is executed (C4). Inother words, a stop symbol determining program is executed based on thebase game winning combination lottery table 130 stored in the RAM 43, todetermine fifteen symbols 180 to be stopped in the display windows 151to 155.

Then, symbols 180 in the symbol columns (symbol lines A to E) in thedisplay windows 151 to 155 are scrolled (C5). When a predeterminedperiod of time (base time) has elapsed after the scroll of the symbols180 is started, the symbols 180 determined in C4 is stopped (rearranged)in the display windows 151 to 155 (A7). At this time, a scroll stopsignal is transmitted.

Then, whether a win is made or not, that is, whether a combination ofsymbols 180 stopped in the display windows 151 to 155 is a winningcombination listed in the base game payout table 131 or not, isdetermined (C7). When it is determined that the combination is not awinning combination (C7: NO), the process ends. When it is determinedthat the combination is a winning combination (C7: YES), a payoutprocess is executed (C8). More specifically, the number of coins to bepaid out which corresponds to a kind of the winning combination iscalculated based on the base game payout table 131 shown in FIG. 59.When coins to be paid out are reserved, a credit value equivalent to thecoins is added to the credit value stored in the RAM 43. When the coinsare paid out, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper 66 so that apredetermined number of coins are paid out to the coin tray 18. That is,a base payout is awarded in accordance with the winning combination.

Then, whether a side-bet ON signal is received or not is determined(C9). When it is determined that the signal is not received (C9: NO),this process ends. When it is determined that the signal is received(C9: YES), the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) stopped(rearranged) in the display windows 151 to 155 is calculated (C10).Then, a side-bet game start signal is transmitted (C11). The side-betgame start signal includes information about the number of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thus calculated.

Then, whether a side-bet game end signal is received or not isdetermined (C12). When it is determined that the signal is not received(C12: NO), reception of the side-bet game end signal is waited. When itis determined that the signal is received (C12: YES), a payout processis executed (C13) based on information about the number of coins (abonus payout from the side-bet game) included in the side-bet game endsignal received in E9 of a side-bet game running process which will bedescribed later. Then, this process once ends.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Side-Bet Process]

The main CPU 41 of each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C executesa side-bet process shown in FIG. 65 in parallel with the game runningprocess. In the side-bet process, whether or not to participate in aside-bet game, which is played using the common display 201, isdetermined. A side-bet processing program is stored in the RAM 43. FIG.65 is a flowchart showing a side-bet process.

First, when a side-bet process is executed, a side-bet period starts(D1). The period starts since the spin button 23 is turned on. Then,whether the scroll stop signal, which has been transmitted in C6 of thegame running process, is received or not is determined (D2). When thescroll stop signal is not received (D2: NO), the scroll stop signal iswaited. When the scroll stop signal is received (D2: YES), a side-betperiod ends (D3).

Then, whether there has been a side-bet during the side-bet period ornot is determined (D4). More specifically, whether a coin has beeninserted through the side-bet coin receiving slot 90 and an input signalindicating that a coin has been inserted is received from a not-shownrecognizer or not is determined.

When it is determined that there has not been a side-bet (D4: NO), aside-bet OFF signal is transmitted (D5) When it is determined that therehas been a side-bet (D4: YES), a side-bet ON signal is transmitted (D6).Then, this process once ends.

According to the above-described structure, a player is allowed toparticipate in a side-bet game until rearrangement is completed in eachof the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C. Therefore, the player canparticipate in the side-bet game while watching how the symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) used for the side-bet game are rearranged.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Side-Bet Game Running Process]

After the center side initial setting routine shown in FIG. 63 ends, themain CPU 241 of the central control board 210 reads out and executes thegame program and the game system program sequentially, thereby runningthe side-bet game running process shown in FIG. 66. A side-bet gamerunning processing program is stored in the RAM 243.

When the side-bet game running process is executed, first, whether aside-bet OFF signal or a side-bet game start signal from the terminaldevice 3A is received or not is determined (E1). When the signal is notreceived (E1: NO), the step E1 is repeated. When the signal is received(E1: YES), whether a side-bet OFF signal or a side-bet game start signalfrom the terminal device 3B is received or not is determined (E2). Whenthe signal is not received (E2: NO), the step E2 is repeated. When thesignal is received (E2: YES), whether a side-bet OFF signal or aside-bet game start signal from the terminal device 3C is received ornot is determined (E3). When the signal is not received (E3: NO), thestep E3 is repeated.

When the signal is received (E3: YES), the total number of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is calculated from information included in theside-bet start signals transmitted from the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and3C. A total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thus calculatedare arranged in the display windows 231 to 235 of the common display(E4).

Next, a COMMON SYMBOL number determining process is executed (E5). Morespecifically, a COMMON SYMBOL number determining program is executedbased on a COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132 stored in the RAM 243,so that the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) to be stoppedin the display windows 231 to 235 is determined. When the number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thus determined is greater than thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) indicated by theinformation included in the side-bet start signals and the like whichhave been transmitted from the respective terminal devices 3A, 3B, and3C, the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) determined by theCOMMON SYMBOL number determining process is a total number of thesymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) indicated by the information includedin the side-bet start signals and the like which have been transmittedfrom the respective terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C.

Then, the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) arranged in the displaywindows 231 to 235 are scrolled (E6). When a predetermined period oftime (base time) has elapsed after the scroll of the symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is started, symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thenumber of which has been determined in E5 are stopped (rearranged) inthe display windows 231 to 235 (E7).

Then, whether symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are rearranged in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 or not, and more specifically how manysymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are stopped in the display windows231 to 235, is determined (E8). When it is determined that symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are not rearranged (E8: NO), the process goes toE10. When it is determined that symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) arerearranged (E8: YES), the number of coins to be paid out is calculatedbased on the side-bet game payout table 133 (E9). The number of coins tobe paid out is according to the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS) stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 and the number ofterminal devices having transmitted the side-bet game start signals(that is, the number of terminal devices having participated in theside-bet game). Then, a side-bet game end signal is transmitted (E10).The side-bet game end signal includes information about the number ofcoins to be paid out which has been calculated in E9. Then, this processonce ends.

In the above-described structure, it is possible: to rearrange, amongthe symbols 180 rearranged in the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C whichhave selected to participate in the side-bet game, the symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) on the common display 201; to rearrange, on thecommon display 201, the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) rearranged onthe common display 201; and to award the bonus payout in accordance withthe number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) rearranged on thecommon display 201. This may enable a player to enjoy the side-bet gameusing rearrangement on the common display 201. In addition, a playerplaying on the terminal device 3A, 3B, or 3C which has made a side-betis given a bonus payout as a result of a side-bet game, which bonuspayout is affected by a game result of a player playing on a neighboringterminal device 3A, 3B, or 3C. Therefore, the player making a side-betcan sometimes enjoy a side-bet game while feeling some togetherness(unity) with players playing on neighboring terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Effect Operation]

When the above-described various processes are executed in the slotmachine 1, results or contents corresponding to the processes are, inthe form of commands or data, input to respective actuators. Forexample, when a coin is inserted into the side-bet coin receiving slot90 of each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C to make a side-bet,the main CPU 41 controls the lamp 30 to blink the lamp 30. In addition,when the side-bet is made, the main CPU 41 displays an effect image onthe upper image display panel 33. Moreover, the main CPU 41 performseffect presentation by an audio output from the speaker 29, togetherwith or independently of the effect made on the upper image displaypanel 33.

In the detailed description provided above, characteristic parts havemainly been described in order that the present invention can beunderstood more easily. However, the present invention is not limited tothe embodiment shown in the detailed description provided above, and maybe applied to other embodiments. The scope of application of the presentinvention should be construed as broadly as possible. Terms andphraseologies adopted in the present specification are for correctlyillustrating the present invention, not for limiting. It would be easyfor those skilled in the art to derive, from the spirit of the inventiondescribed in the present specification, other structures, systems,methods and the like which are included in the spirit of the invention.Accordingly, it should be considered that claims cover equivalentstructures, too, without departing from the technical idea of thepresent invention. An object of the abstract is to enable anintellectual property office, general public institutions, personsbelonging to the art but not familiar with patent, legal terms, ortechnical terms to quickly understand technical contents and essences ofthe present invention through a simple research. Therefore, the abstractis not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should beevaluated by the claims. In addition, it is desirable to sufficientlyrefer to already-disclosed documents and the like, in order to fullyunderstand the objects and effects of the present invention.

The detailed description provided above includes a process which isexecuted on a computer or a computer network. The descriptions andexpressions provided above are given for the purpose of allowing thoseskilled in the art to understand the invention most effectively. In thespecification, respective steps used to induce one result, or blockshaving a predetermined processing function should be understood as aprocess having no self-contradiction. In addition, in each step orblock, an electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received,recorded, and the like. In a process in each step or block, such asignal is embodied in the form of a bit, a value, a symbol, a character,a term, a number, and the like. However, it should be noted that theyhave been used simply because they are convenient for explanations. Aprocess in each step or block has sometimes been described using anexpression which is common to a human behavior. However, in principle,the process described in the specification is executed by a variety ofdevices. In addition, other structures necessary for each step or blockare apparent from the above description.

Sixth Embodiment

The following describes a sixth embodiment of a gaming machine and aplaying method thereof according to the present invention. Note thatreference numbers and symbols given to members and steps of flowchartsare only applicable to those described within the present embodiment,and do not represent the members or the steps of the other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 67, the present invention is a gaming machineincluding: a common display which arranges a plurality of symbols in amatrix of arrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each havinga terminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a payout in accordance witha relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller. The presentinvention is embodied as a control method for playing the gamingmachine, including the steps of: putting the side-bet device into aselectable state until the symbols are rearranged in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices; rearranging the symbols inthe arrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; awarding abase payout in accordance with a relation among the symbols rearrangedin the arrangement areas; accumulatively storing a base payout awardedwhen there is a predetermined relation among the symbols rearranged inthe arrangement areas in the terminal device selected by the side-betdevice; rearranging, on the common display, predetermined ones of thesymbols rearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-betdevice; rearranging the predetermined symbols thus rearranged, in thearrangement areas on the common display; and in accordance with thenumber of the predetermined symbols rearranged, awarding all or a partof the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device.

In this embodiment, the “side-bet game” is a sideshow game which isplayed independently of a main plot of a base game.

A gaming machine 100 which runs the above game includes a controller111, a common display 101, and a plurality of terminal devices 102, asshown in FIG. 68. The common display 101 is adapted to arrange aplurality of symbols 180.

The controller 111 has a side-bet game running unit 113, a COMMON SYMBOLnumber determining unit 114, a payout stock unit 117, and a side-betgame payout determining unit 115. The terminal device 102 has a gamestarting unit 105, a side-bet device 104, a terminal controller 110, aterminal display 103, a base payout awarding unit 108, and a side-betgame payout awarding unit 116.

In addition, the terminal controller 110 has a game running unit 106, aside-bet receiving unit 112, a COMMON SYMBOL determining unit 109, and awin determining unit 107.

Here, “arranging” means making a state where symbols 180 are visible toa player. For example, in FIG. 67, it means making a state where symbols180 are displayed in display windows 151 to 155. Arranging symbols 180again after dismissing symbols 180 is called “rearranging”.

The common display 101 and the terminal display 103 may have amechanical structure adopting a reel device which rotates a reel toarrange symbols 180. Alternatively, the common display 101 and theterminal display 103 may have an electrical structure in which a videoreel is displayed as an image to thereby arrange symbols 180. Further, acombination of the mechanical structure (reel) and the electricstructure (video reel) may also be possible. Examples of the electricalstructure include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-raytube), a plasma display device, and the like. A specific structure ofthe common display 101 and the terminal display 103 will be detailedlater.

[Controller 111 and Terminal Controller 110]

The controller 111 and the terminal controller 110 are adapted toperform: a first process of putting the side-bet device 104 into aselectable state until the symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices 102; a second process ofrearranging the symbols 180 in the arrangement areas in the plurality ofterminal devices 102; a third process of awarding a base payout inaccordance with a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas; a fourth process of accumulatively storing a basepayout awarded when there is a predetermined relation among the symbols180 rearranged in the arrangement areas in the terminal device 102selected by the side-bet device 104; a fifth process of rearranging, onthe common display 101, predetermined ones of the symbols 180 rearrangedin the terminal device 102 selected by the side-bet device 104; a sixthprocess of rearranging the predetermined symbols thus rearranged, in thearrangement areas on the common display 101; and a seventh process of,in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbols rearranged,awarding all or a part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to theterminal device 102 selected by the side-bet device 104. In other words,the controller 111 and the terminal controller 110 include seven processstages.

[Operations of Controller 111 and Terminal Controller 110]

A description will be given to operations of the controller 111 and theterminal controller 110 having the above-described structure. First, theside-bet device 104 is put into a selectable state until symbols 180 arerearranged in the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices102. In short, the terminal controller 110 performs the first process.

Then, after a game value is inserted, triggered by a game start signalfrom the game starting unit 105, the game running unit 106 starts tovariably display the symbols 180 which have been arranged on theterminal display 103. In short, the terminal controller 110 performs thesecond process.

Then, in accordance with a relation among the symbols 180 thusrearranged, the win determining unit 107 awards a base payout throughthe base payout awarding unit 108. In short, the terminal controller 110performs the third process.

Then, the side-bet receiving unit 112 determines whether the side-betdevice 104 has selected to participate in a side-bet game or not. Whenit is determined that the side-bet device 104 has selected toparticipate, the win determining unit 107 accumulatively stores, intothe payout stock unit 117, a base payout which is awarded when arelation among the rearranged symbols is a combination of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181. In short, the terminal controller 110 and thecontroller 111 perform the fourth process.

Then, when the side-bet receiving unit 112 determines that the side-betdevice 104 has selected to participate in a side-bet game, the COMMONSYMBOL determining unit 109 detects a total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181 among the symbols 180 rearranged on the terminal display103, and rearranges them on the common display 101. In short, thecontroller 111 and the terminal controller 110 perform the fifthprocess.

Then, the side-bet game running unit 113 rearranges, on the commondisplay 101, the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 rearranged. In short,the controller 111 performs the sixth process.

Then, the COMMON SYMBOL number determining unit 114 detects the numberof symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 thus rearranged. In accordance withthe base payout stoked in the payout stock unit 117 and the number ofdetected symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181, the side-bet game payoutdetermining unit 115 calculates a payout to be awarded to the terminaldevice 102 having participated in the side-bet game. Then, the side-betgame payout awarding unit 116 awards the payout thus calculated. Inshort, the controller 111 and the terminal controller 110 perform theseventh process.

Each block of the controller 111 and the terminal controller 110 may beformed by hardware or by software as needed.

As seen from the above-described operations, the present invention agaming machine including: a common display 101 which arranges aplurality of symbols 180 in a matrix of arrangement areas; a pluralityof terminal devices 102 each having a terminal display 103 whicharranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas and aside-bet device 104 which selects to or not to participate in a gameplayed on the common display 101, the terminal device 102 rearranging aplurality of symbols 180 in the arrangement areas on the terminaldisplay 103 and running a game to award a payout in accordance with arelation among the rearranged symbols 180; and a controller 111 and aterminal controller 110. The present invention is embodied as a controlmethod for playing the gaming machine 100, including the steps of:putting the side-bet device 104 into a selectable state until thesymbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement areas in the plurality ofterminal devices 102; rearranging the symbols 180 in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices 102; awarding a base payoutin accordance with a relation among the symbols 180 rearranged in thearrangement areas; accumulatively storing a base payout awarded whenthere is a predetermined relation among the symbols 180 rearranged inthe arrangement areas in the terminal device 102 selected by theside-bet device 104; rearranging, on the common display 101,predetermined ones of the symbols 180 rearranged in the terminal device102 selected by the side-bet device 104; rearranging the predeterminedsymbols thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas on the common display101; and in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbolsrearranged, awarding all or a part of the accumulatively-stored basepayouts to the terminal device 102 selected by the side-bet device 104.

In the above-described structure, a player playing on the terminaldevice 3A, 3B, 3C which has made a side-bet is given a payout as aresult of a side-bet game, which payout is affected by game results ofplayers playing on neighboring terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C. Therefore,the player making a side-bet can sometimes enjoy a side-bet game whilefeeling some togetherness (unity) with players playing on neighboringterminal devices 3A, 3B, 3C. In addition, a player can enjoy theside-bet game without inserting a new game value, because a result of agame played in the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C having made a side-bet (apayout resulting from achievement of a predetermined combination) isused for a payout of the side-bet game.

Embodiment

[Mechanical Structure of Slot Machine 1]

The following describes an embodiment where the gaming machine 100having the above-described structure is applied to a slot machine 1 andspecifically structured in mechanical, electrical, and operationalsenses.

As shown in FIG. 94, the slot machine 1 is connected in communicationwith terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C which run games independently ofone another. The slot machine 1 has a common display 201 which displaysan image relating to a shared game, a rail 271 which moves the commondisplay 201 to just above each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C,and a not-shown drive motor 270. The common display 201, which serves asa common display to arrange symbols 180, is equivalent to the commondisplay 101 shown in FIG. 68.

As shown in FIG. 95, the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C has a cabinet 11, atop box 12 placed on an upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13provided on a front surface of the cabinet 11. A lower image displaypanel 16A, 16B, 16C is provided on the main door 13. The lower imagedisplay panel 16A, 16B, 16C has a transparent liquid crystal panel whichdisplays various information. The lower image display panel 16A, 16B,16C displays display windows 151 to 155 (a matrix 156) where a pluralityof symbols 180 are arranged. In addition, the lower image display panel16A, 16B, 16C displays as needed game-related various information,effect images, and the like. The common display 201 has the samestructure. The terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C is equivalent to the terminaldevice 102 shown in FIG. 68. The matrix 156 with five columns and threerows in the display windows 151 to 155 are equivalent to the matrix ofarrangement areas. The lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C servingas a terminal display is equivalent to the terminal display 103 shown inFIG. 68.

Below the lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C, provided are acontrol panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21, and a bill validator 22. Thecontrol panel 20 is provided with buttons 23 to 27. These buttons 23 to27 allow a player to input commands relating to a game progress. Thecoin receiving slot 21 enables coins to be received into the cabinet 11.

The control panel 20 includes a spin button 23, a change button 24, acashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, a MAX-BET button 27, and aside-bet button 90. The spin button 23 is for inputting a command tostart scrolling the symbols 180. The change button 24 is used to ask astaff person of the gaming facility for money exchange. The cash outbutton 25 is for inputting a command to pay out coins corresponding tothe total credit-value into the coin tray 18. The side-bet button 90allows a player to input a command to participate in a side-bet game.The control panel 20 which performs a game in the terminal device isequivalent to the game starting unit 105 shown in FIG. 68. The side-betbutton 90 is equivalent to the side-bet device 104 shown in FIG. 68.

[Electrical Structure of Slot Machine]

FIGS. 99 and 100 are block diagrams each illustrating an electricalstructure of the entire slot machine 1.

[Electrical Structure of Terminal Device]

FIG. 99 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of theterminal device 3A, 3B, 3C. As illustrated in FIG. 99, a control unit isprovided within the cabinet 11. The control unit includes a motherboard40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, adoor PCB 80, various switches, sensors, or the like.

The motherboard 40 has a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM(Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44. Themotherboard 40 acting as a controller corresponds to the terminalcontroller 110 shown in FIG. 68.

The main CPU 41 controls the entire terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C. Inparticular, the main CPU 41 controls the following operations of:outputting a command signal for making the graphic board 68 variablydisplay symbols 180, at a time when the spin button 23 is pressed afterbetting of credit; determining symbols 180 to be stopped after thevariable-displaying of symbols 180; and stopping the symbols 180 thusdetermined in the display windows 151 to 155. The main CPU 41corresponds to the game running unit 106, the COMMON SYMBOL determiningunit 109, the win determining unit 107, and the side-bet receiving unit112 shown in FIG. 68.

The hopper 66 is mounted within the cabinet 11 and pays out apredetermined number of coins through a coin outlet 19 into the cointray 18, based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coinsensor 67 is provided inside the coin outlet 19. When the coin sensor 67senses that a predetermined number of coins have been delivered from thecoin outlet 19, the coin sensor 67 outputs a signal to be input to themain CPU 41. The hopper 66 corresponds to the base payout awarding unit108 and the side-bet game payout awarding unit 116 shown in FIG. 68.

A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a coldcathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20is provided with: a spin switch 23S associated with the spin button 23;a change switch 24S associated with the change button 24; a cashoutswitch 25S associated with the cashout button 25; a 1-BET switch 26Sassociated with the 1-BET button 26; a MAX-BET switch 27S associatedwith the MAX-BET button 27; and a side-bet switch 90S. Each of theswitches 23S, 24S, 25S, 26S, 27S and 90S outputs a signal to the mainCPU 41, when a player presses the associated one of the buttons 23 to 27and 90.

The coin counter 21C is provided within the coin receiving slot 21, andidentifies whether a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 bythe player is genuine. A coin other than a genuine coin is dischargedfrom the coin outlet 19. The coin counter 21C outputs an input signal tothe main CPU 41 upon detection of a genuine coin.

The reverter 21S is operated based on a control signal output from themain CPU 41. The reverter 21S distributes a coin, which the coin counter21C has recognized as a genuine coin, to the hopper 66 or a cash box(not shown) mounted in the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C. In other words,when the hopper 66 is full of coins, genuine coins are distributed intothe cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66is not yet full of coins, genuine coins are distributed into the hopper66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight mounted to rearsides of the lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C and the upper imagedisplay panel 33. The cold cathode tube 81 turns on based on a controlsignal output from the main CPU 41.

[Base Game Winning Combination Lottery Table]

A base game winning combination lottery table 130 which is used in agame running process executed by the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 71. FIG. 71 is an explanatory viewshowing a base game winning combination lottery table. The base gamewinning combination lottery table 130 is stored in the RAM 43, and readduring a symbol determining process of the game running process whichwill be described later.

As shown in FIG. 71, a random numerical value used in the base gamewinning combination lottery table 130 ranges from 0 to 5998. When arandom numerical value sampled by the main CPU 41 is 0 to 22, a winningcombination of “HEART” 182 is made, and five symbols 180 presenting“HEART” 182 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155. When a randomnumerical value sampled by the main CPU 41 is 23 to 51, a winningcombination of “MOON” 183 is made, and five symbols 180 of “MOON” 183are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155. Likewise, when a randomnumerical value is 52 to 107, a winning combination of “K” 186 is made.When a random numerical value is 108 to 163, a winning combination offive symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is made. When a random numericalvalue is 164 to 263, a winning combination of “A” 184 is made. When arandom numerical value is 264 to 407, a winning combination of “Q” 187is made. When a random numerical value is 408 to 707, a winningcombination of four symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is made. When arandom numerical value is 708 to 1007, a winning combination of “J” 185is made. When a random numerical value is 1008 to 1507, a winningcombination of “10” 188 is made. When a random numerical value sampledby the main CPU 41 is 1508 to 5998, it means a loss, and a losingcombination of symbols 180, which is different from any of theabove-mentioned winning combinations, is stopped in the display windows151 to 155.

Here, making any of these combinations is referred to as making a win.

[Base Game Payout Table]

Next, a base game payout table 131 will be described with reference toFIG. 72. The base game payout table 131 indicates the number of coins tobe paid out for a winning combination determined by the base gamewinning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 71. FIG. 72 shows a basegame payout table. The base game payout table is stored in the RAM 43,and read during a payout process of the game running process which willbe described later.

For a result of sampling using the base game winning combination lotterytable 130, coins are paid out in accordance with a winning combinationdisplayed in the display windows 151 to 155 based on the base gamepayout table 131.

More specifically, when five symbols 180 of “HEART” 182 are stopped inthe display windows 151 to 155, fifty coins are paid out. When fivesymbols 180 of “MOON” 183 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155,thirty coins are paid out as a payout. Likewise, when five symbols 180of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are stopped in the display windows 151 to155, twenty-five coins are paid out as a payout. When five symbols 180of “K” 186 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155, twenty-fivecoins are paid out as a payout. When five symbols 180 of “A” 184 arestopped in the display windows 151 to 155, twenty coins are paid out asa payout. When five symbols 180 of “Q” 187 are stopped in the displaywindows 151 to 155, fifteen coins are paid out as a payout. When foursymbols 180 of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are stopped in the displaywindows 151 to 155, ten coins are paid out as a payout. When fivesymbols 180 of “J” 185 are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155,ten coins are paid out as a payout. When five symbols 180 of “10” 188are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155, five coins are paid outas a payout. When a lottery results in losing, and a losing combinationof symbols 180, which is different from any of the above-mentionedwinning combinations, is stopped in the display windows 151 to 155, zerocoin is paid out as a payout. Note that, when one coin is inserted for agame, the above-mentioned numbers of coins are paid out as a payout.When two or more coins are inserted for one game, the numbers of coinsactually paid out is the number of inserted coins being multiplied bythe above-mentioned number of coins paid out.

[Electrical Structure of Central Control Board]

FIG. 100 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of thecentral control board 210. A control unit is provided within the centralcontrol board 210. The control unit includes a motherboard 240, a gamingboard 250, an actuator, and the like. The central control board 210functioning as a controller corresponds to the controller 111 shown inFIG. 68.

The motherboard 240 has a main CPU 241, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 242, aRAM (Random Access Memory) 243, a power unit 245, a graphic board 268, acommon display 201 connected to the graphic board 268, and acommunication interface 244. The RAM 243 stores therein a COMMON SYMBOLnumber determining program, a COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132, aside-bet game payout table 133, and a side-bet game running processingprogram. The RAM 243 also stores therein a payout resulting from aside-bet game, as a side-bet credit value. Here, the side-bet creditvalue means an accumulated value of base payouts which are paid out whena predetermined winning combination is achieved in a base game played inthe terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C. This value is accumulated as a payout ofthe side-bet game. The RAM 243 corresponds to the payout stock unit 117shown in FIG. 68.

In this embodiment, moreover, symbols 180 displayed in the displaywindows 231 to 235 are symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181. In other words,the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 correspond to the predetermined onesof symbols 180 rearranged in the terminal devices 3A, 3B and 3C, whichone are arranged in the display windows 231 to 235.

The main CPU 241 controls the entire central control board 210. Inparticular, the main CPU 241 controls the following operations of:outputting a command signal for making the graphic board 268 variablydisplay symbols 180, at a time when a game using the common display 201is run; determining symbols 180 to be stopped after thevariable-displaying of symbols 180; and stopping the symbols 180 thusdetermined in the display windows 231 to 235. The main CPU 241corresponds to the side-bet game running unit 113 shown in FIG. 68. Themain CPU 241 also corresponds to the COMMON SYMBOL number determiningunit 114, and the side-bet game payout determining unit 115 shown inFIG. 68.

[Common Symbol Number Lottery Table]

With reference to FIG. 73, a description will be given to a COMMONSYMBOL number lottery table 132 by which the number of symbols of COMMONSYMBOL (CS) to be arranged on the common display 201 are determined.FIG. 73 is an explanatory view showing a COMMON SYMBOL number lotterytable. The COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132 is stored in the RAM243, and read during a COMMON SYMBOL number determining process of theside-bet game running process which will be described later.

The COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132 has a random numerical valuetable corresponding to the number of side-betting terminal devices whichhas been calculated in a later-described side-bet game running process.First, a random numerical value table for two or three side-bettingterminal devices will be described. As shown in FIG. 73, a randomnumerical value adopted in the COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132ranges from 0 to 11999. When a random numerical value sampled throughthe main CPU 241 is 0 to 5, symbols 180 are stopped in the displaywindows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of fifteen symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value sampled is 6 to16, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as todisplay a total of fourteen symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS).

Likewise, when a random numerical value is 17 to 47, symbols 180 arestopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total ofthirteen symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numericalvalue is 48 to 167, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231to 235 so as to display a total of twelve symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS). When a random numerical value is 168 to 401, symbols 180 arestopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total ofeleven symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) When a random numerical valueis 402 to 705, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235so as to display a total of ten symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). Whena random numerical value is 706 to 1110, symbols 180 are stopped in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of nine symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value is 1111 to 1616,symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as todisplay a total of eight symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) When arandom numerical value is 1617 to 2216, symbols 180 are stopped in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of seven symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value is 2217 to 2816,symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as todisplay a total of six symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) When a randomnumerical value is 2817 to 3416, symbols 180 are stopped in the displaywindows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of five symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value is 3417 to 4116, symbols180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display atotal of four symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a randomnumerical value is 4117 to 5216, symbols 180 are stopped in the displaywindows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of three symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value is 5217 to 6216, symbols180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display atotal of two symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numericalvalue is 6217 to 8216, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows231 to 235 so as to display a total of one symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS). When a random numerical value sampled is 8217 to 11999, itmeans a loss and symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to235 so as to display a total of zero symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS).

Next, a random numerical value table for one side-betting terminaldevice will be described.

As shown in FIG. 73, random numerical values adopted in the COMMONSYMBOL number lottery table 132 ranges from 0 to 11999. When a randomnumerical value sampled through the main CPU 241 is 0 to 167, symbols180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display atotal of nine symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS).

When a random numerical value sampled is 168 to 505, symbols 180 arestopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total ofeight symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)

Likewise, when a random numerical value sampled is 506 to 1016, symbols180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display atotal of seven symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a randomnumerical value sampled is 1017 to 2016, symbols 180 are stopped in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of six symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value sampled is 2017to 3016, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so asto display a total of five symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When arandom numerical value sampled is 3017 to 4016, symbols 180 are stoppedin the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of foursymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical valuesampled is 4017 to 5216, symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows231 to 235 so as to display a total of three symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS). When a random numerical value sampled is 5217 to 6216, symbols180 are stopped in the display windows 231 to 235 so as to display atotal of two symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numericalvalue sampled is 6217 to 8216, symbols 180 are stopped in the displaywindows 231 to 235 so as to display a total of one symbol of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS). When a random numerical value sampled is 8217 to 11999,it means a loss and symbols 180 are stopped in the display windows 231to 235 so as to display a total of zero symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS).

[Side-Bet Game Payout Table]

Next, a side-bet game payout table 133 will be described with referenceto FIG. 104. The side-bet game payout table 133 indicates the number ofcoins to be paid out in accordance with the total number of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) rearranged in the display windows 231 to 235 andthe number of terminal devices participating in the side-bet game. FIG.104 shows a side-bet game payout table.

As a result of sampling with the COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132shown in FIG. 73, coins are paid out in accordance with the total numberof symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) which have been displayed in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 based on the side-bet game payout table 133.

To be more specific, in a case where the total number of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is zero, coins to be paid out is zeroirrespective of the number of terminal devices participating in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is one, coins to be paid out is five when three terminaldevices participate in the side-bet game, five when two terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game, and ten when one terminal deviceparticipates in the side-bet game. In a case where the total number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is two, coins to be paid out is tenwhen three terminal devices participate in the side-bet game, ten whentwo terminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and twenty whenone terminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case wherethe total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is three, coinsto be paid out is fifteen when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, twenty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and thirty when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is four, coins to be paid out is twenty when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, twenty-five when twoterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and forty when oneterminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case where thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is five, coins to bepaid out is twenty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, thirty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and fifty when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is six, coins to be paid out is thirty when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, thirty-five when twoterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and sixty when oneterminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case where thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is seven, coins to bepaid out is thirty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, forty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and seventy when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is eight, coins to be paid out is forty when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, forty-five when twoterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and eighty when oneterminal device participates in the side-bet game. In a case where thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is nine, coins to bepaid out is forty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, fifty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and ninety when one terminal device participates in theside-bet game.

In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)is ten, coins to be paid out is fifty when three terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game, and sixty when two terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game. In a case where the total number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is eleven, coins to be paid out isfifty-five when three terminal devices participate in the side-bet game,and seventy when two terminal devices participate in the side-bet game.In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)is twelve, coins to be paid out is sixty when three terminal devicesparticipate in the side-bet game, and seventy-five when two terminaldevices participate in the side-bet game. In a case where the totalnumber of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is thirteen, coins to bepaid out is sixty-five when three terminal devices participate in theside-bet game, and eighty when two terminal devices participate in theside-bet game. In a case where the total number of symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is fourteen, coins to be paid out is seventy when threeterminal devices participate in the side-bet game, and eighty-five whentwo terminal devices participate in the side-bet game. In a case wherethe total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is fifteen, coinsto be paid out is seventy-five when three terminal devices participatein the side-bet game, and ninety when two terminal devices participatein the side-bet game.

In the above-described structure, when awarding a part or all of theaccumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3Cselected by the side-bet button 90, a payout corresponding to the numberof terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C selected by the side-bet button 90can be awarded. This enables imbalance of the payout due to differencein the number of players participating in the side-bet game to becorrected by, for example, setting a payout rate corresponding to thenumber of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) to a higher rate when thesmaller number of terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C participate in aside-bet and setting a payout rate corresponding to the number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) to a lower rate when the smallernumber of terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C participate in a side-bet.Therefore, the player can enjoy the side-bet game even when there are asmall number of participants.

[Display State of Display Windows 151 to 155 of Terminal Device]

The following details an exemplary display state of the lower imagedisplay panels 16A, 16B, and 16C of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, 3Cduring operations of the slot machine 1 and the controlling methodthereof. Note that the following example deals with a case where symbols180 are arranged in the display windows 151 to 155 by means of a videoreel method, as shown in FIGS. 92 and 96.

The lower image display panel 16A, 16B, 16C has display windows 151 to155 where symbols 180 are arranged. The display windows 151 to 155 aredisposed at a center part of the lower image display panel 16A, 16B,16C. In the display windows 151 to 155, symbol columns (symbol lines Ato E) each made up of symbols 180 are scrolled (see FIG. 69). Thedisplay windows 151 to 155 are respectively divided into a-stages 151 ato 155 a, b-stages 151 b to 155 b, and c-stages 151 c to 155 c. Thesymbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the stages 151 a to 155 a, 151 bto 155 b, and 151 c to 155 c, respectively. For example, in FIG. 69, onthe lower image display panel 16A of the terminal device 3A, a symbol of“A” 184 is stopped in the a-stage 151 a of the display window 151, asymbol of “Q” 187 is stopped in the central stage 151 b of the displaywindow 151, and a symbol of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is stopped in thelower stage 153 c of the display window 153. In short, the displaywindows 151 to 155 displays a matrix 156 as an arrangement region madeup of five columns and three rows. The matrix 156 however is not limitedto the one with the five-columns/three-rows.

In a basic game (base game), a payout awarding process such as payingout coins is executed when a predetermined number of symbols 181 to 188called scatter symbols are displayed on the lower image display panel16A, 16B, 16C as a winning combination. Scatter symbols are symbolswhich provide an effective result (such as awarding a payout, giving abonus game, or the like) merely when a predetermined number of them arestopped on any of the display areas of the arrangement region made up offive columns and three rows of the display windows 151 to 155. Forexample, when five symbols of “J” 185, which is one of the scattersymbols shown in FIG. 69, are rearranged (displayed) in the displaywindows 151 to 155, ten coins are paid out as a payout. When fivesymbols of “HEART” 182, which is one of the scatter symbols, isrearranged (displayed) in the display windows 151 to 155, fifty coinsare paid out as a payout.

Although in this embodiment the symbols 181 to 188 are defined asscatter symbols, this is not limitative and only a specific symbol maybe defined as a scatter symbol. Alternatively, a player may select ascatter symbol. It may also be possible that a coin payout process orthe like is executed when a predetermined combination of symbols isstopped on a payline L extending horizontally through the b-stages (151b to 155 b) of the display windows 151 to 155. That is, the payline L isfor determining a combination of symbols 180. When symbols 180 arerearranged on the payline L and outside the payline L, only the symbols180 rearranged on the payline are judged for a combination. It maybepossible that, when a winning combination is made as a result of thedetermination of a combination, a coin payout process or the like isexecuted.

[Display State of Display Windows 231 to 235 of Common Display]

FIG. 70 shows a state where: symbols 180 are rearranged in the displaywindows 151 to 155 in a base game of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and3C; among the rearranged symbols 180, symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)are rearranged in the display windows 231 to 235 of the common display201; and further the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are rearrangedin the display windows 231 to 235 as a side-bet game. For example, asshown in FIG. 69, a base game is executed so that symbols 180 aresequentially rearranged in the display windows 151 to 155.

Thus, all the symbols 180 are rearranged. More specifically, one symbolof “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is arranged in the display windows 151 to 155of the terminal device 3A, five symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) arearranged in the display windows 151 to 155 of the terminal device 3B,and five symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are arranged in the displaywindows 151 to 155 of the terminal device 3C.

A total of the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) arranged in theterminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C are rearranged in the display windows231 to 235 of the common display 201. More specifically, eleven symbolsof “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are arranged in the display windows 231 to235 of the common display 201. The symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS)thus rearranged are scrolled and then rearranged again. Morespecifically, six symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are rearranged inthe display windows 231 to 235 of the common display 201.

In this embodiment, symbols 180 to be arranged in the display windows231 to 235 of the common display 201 are only the symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181. A payout is awarded in accordance with the number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181 arranged in the display windows 231 to235.

[Operation of Slot Machine]

Next, various processes executed in the slot machine 1 will bedescribed. As the main CPU 41 and the main CPU 241 read out and executeprograms stored in the ROM 42, the RAM 43, the ROM 242, and the RAM 243,processes relating to various games are run.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Game Running Process]

After the terminal side initial setting routine of FIG. 106, the mainCPU 41 of the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C reads out and executes the gameprogram and the game system program sequentially, thereby executing agame running process shown in FIG. 74. A game running processing programis stored in the RAM 43.

The main CPU 41 of the terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C executes the gamerunning process shown in FIG. 74. When the game running process is run,first, the main CPU 41 determines whether a coin is bet or not (C1). Inthis step, whether an input signal from the 1-BET switch 26S entered bypressing of the 1-BET button 26 is received or not is determined.Meanwhile, whether an input signal from the maximum BET switch 27Sentered by pressing of the maximum BET button 27 is received or not isdetermined. If no coin is BET (C1: NO), C1 is repeated so that a standbystate continues until a coin is bet.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a coin is bet (C1: YES), thecredit value stored in the RAM 43 is reduced according to the number ofcoins bet (C2). When the number of coins bet surpasses the number ofcoins equivalent to the credit value stored in the RAM 43, the creditvalue is reduced to zero and he step C3 is performed. When the number ofcoins bet exceeds the maximum number of coins bet-table on one game (50pieces in this embodiment), the credit value is reduced by fifty and thestep C3 is performed.

Then, whether a spin button 23 is turned on or not is determined (C3).If the spin button 23 is not turned on (C3: NO), the process returns toC1. Here, if the spin button 23 is not turned on (for example, the spinbutton 23 is not turned on but a command to end the game is input), thereduction of the credit value in C2 is canceled.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the spin button 23 isturned on (C3: YES), a symbol determining process is executed (C4). Inother words, a stop symbol determining program is executed based on thebase game winning combination lottery table 130 stored in the RAM 43, todetermine fifteen symbols 180 to be stopped in the display windows 151to 155.

Then, symbols 180 in the symbol columns (symbol lines A to E) in thedisplay windows 151 to 155 are scrolled (C5). When a predeterminedperiod of time (base time) has elapsed after the scroll of the symbols180 is started, the symbols 180 determined in C4 is stopped (rearranged)in the display windows 151 to 155 (A7). At this time, a scroll stopsignal is transmitted.

Then, whether a win is made or not, that is, whether a combination ofsymbols 180 stopped in the display windows 151 to 155 is a winningcombination listed in the base game payout table 131 or not, isdetermined (C7). When it is determined that the combination is not awinning combination (C7: NO), the process ends. When it is determinedthat the combination is a winning combination (C7: YES), whether aside-bet ON signal which is transmitted during a later-describedside-bet process is received or not is determined (C8). When theside-bet ON signal is not received (C8: NO), a payout process based on abase game is executed (C9). More specifically, the number of coins to bepaid out which corresponds to a kind of the winning combination iscalculated based on the base game payout table 131 shown in FIG. 72.When coins to be paid out are reserved, a credit value equivalent to thecoins is added to the credit value stored in the RAM 43. When the coinsare paid out, a control signal is transmitted to the hopper 66 so that apredetermined number of coins are paid out to the coin tray 18. That is,a base payout is awarded in accordance with the winning combination.

When the side-bet ON signal is received (C8: YES), whether a winningcombination involving the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is made ornot is determined (C10). That is, whether four or five symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are stopped in the display windows 151 to 155 ornot is determined. When it is determined that a winning combinationinvolving the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is not made (C10: NO),a payout process based on a base game is executed (C11). Morespecifically, the number of coins to be paid out which corresponds to akind of the winning combination is calculated based on the base gamepayout table 131 shown in FIG. 72. Then, the process goes to C13.

When it is determined that a winning combination involving the symbolsof “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is made (C10: YES), the number of coins to bepaid out which corresponds to the winning combination involving thesymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) is stocked based on the base gamepayout table 131 shown in FIG. 72 (C12). Information about the number ofcoins to be paid out is transmitted to the central control board 210,and added to the side-bet credit value stored in the RAM 243. In otherwords, the number of coins to be paid out which corresponds to thewinning combination involving the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) isreserved as coins to be paid out for a side-bet game.

Then, the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) stopped(rearranged) in the display windows 151 to 155 is calculated (C13).Then, a side-bet game start signal is transmitted (C14). The side-betgame start signal includes information about the number of symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thus calculated.

Then, whether a side-bet game end signal is received or not isdetermined (C15). When it is determined that the signal is not received(C15: NO), reception of the side-bet game end signal is waited. When itis determined that the signal is received (C15: YES), a payout processof a side-bet game is executed (C16). More specifically, coins are paidout based on information about the number of coins to be paid out (apayout from the side-bet game) included in the side-bet game end signalreceived in E11 of a side-bet game running process which will bedescribed later. Then, this process once ends.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Side-Bet Process]

The main CPU 41 of each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C executesa side-bet process shown in FIG. 108 in parallel with the game runningprocess. In the side-bet process, whether or not to participate in aside-bet game, which is played using the common display 201, isdetermined. A side-bet processing program is stored in the RAM 43. FIG.108 is a flowchart showing a side-bet process.

First, when a side-bet process is executed, a side-bet period starts(D1). The period starts since the spin button 23 is turned on. Then,whether the scroll stop signal, which has been transmitted in C6 of thegame running process, is received or not is determined (D2). When thescroll stop signal is not received (D2: NO), the scroll stop signal iswaited. When the scroll stop signal is received (D2: YES), a side-betperiod ends (D3).

Then, whether there has been a side-bet during the side-bet period ornot is determined (D4). More specifically, whether an input signal fromthe side-bet switch 90S, which is caused by an input operation on theside-bet button 90, is received or not is determined.

When it is determined that there has not been a side-bet (D4: NO), aside-bet OFF signal is transmitted (D5). When it is determined thatthere has been a side-bet (D4: YES), a side-bet ON signal is transmitted(D6). Then, this process once ends.

According to the above-described structure, the side-bet button 90 canbe kept selectable until symbols 180 are rearranged in the displaywindows 151 to 155 in each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C. Thisallows a player to make a side-bet until rearrangement is completed inthe base game in each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C. Therefore,the player can make a side-bet while watching how the symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) used for the side-bet game are rearranged.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Side-Bet Game Running Process]

After the center side initial setting routine shown in FIG. 106 ends,the main CPU 241 of the central control board 210 reads out and executesthe game program and the game system program sequentially, therebyrunning the side-bet game running process shown in FIG. 75. A side-betgame running processing program is stored in the RAM 243.

When the side-bet game running process is executed, first, whether aside-bet OFF signal or a side-bet game start signal from the terminaldevice 3A is received or not is determined (E1). When the signal is notreceived (E1: NO), the step E1 is repeated. When the signal is received(E1: YES), whether a side-bet OFF signal or a side-bet game start signalfrom the terminal device 3B is received or not is determined (E2). Whenthe signal is not received (E2: NO), the step E2 is repeated. When thesignal is received (E2: YES), whether a side-bet OFF signal or aside-bet game start signal from the terminal device 3C is received ornot is determined (E3). When the signal is not received (E3: NO), thestep E3 is repeated.

When the signal is received (E3: YES), the number of side-bet game startsignals received in E1 to E3 is stored in the RAM 243 (E4). In otherwords, the number of terminal devices having made side-bets iscalculated.

Then, the total number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) iscalculated from information included in the side-bet start signalstransmitted from the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C. A total number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thus calculated are arranged in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 of the common display (E5).

Next, a COMMON SYMBOL number determining process is executed (E6). Morespecifically, a COMMON SYMBOL number determining program is executedbased on a COMMON SYMBOL number lottery table 132 stored in the RAM 243,so that the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) to be stoppedin the display windows 231 to 235 is determined. When the number ofsymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thus determined is greater than thetotal number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) indicated by theinformation included in the side-bet start signals and the like whichhave been transmitted from the respective terminal devices 3A, 3B, and3C, the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) determined by theCOMMON SYMBOL number determining process is a total number of thesymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) indicated by the information includedin the side-bet start signals and the like which have been transmittedfrom the respective terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C.

Then, the symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) arranged in the displaywindows 231 to 235 are scrolled (E7). When a predetermined period oftime (base time) has elapsed after the scroll of the symbols of “COMMONSYMBOL” 181(CS) is started, symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) thenumber of which has been determined in E6 are stopped (rearranged) inthe display windows 231 to 235 (E8).

Then, whether symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are rearranged in thedisplay windows 231 to 235 or not, and more specifically how manysymbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are stopped in the display windows231 to 235, is determined (E9). When it is determined that symbols of“COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) are not rearranged (E9: NO), the process goes toE11. When it is determined that symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL” 181(CS) arerearranged (E9: YES), the number of coins to be paid out is calculatedbased on the side-bet game payout table 133 (E9). The number of coins tobe paid out is according to the number of symbols of “COMMON SYMBOL”181(CS) stopped in the display windows 231 to 235, the side-bet creditvalue stored in the RAM 243 (the stocked payout), and the number ofterminal devices from which the side-bet game start signals have beenreceived (the number of terminal devices having made side-bets) which isstored in the RAM 234 (E10). Then, aside-bet game end signal istransmitted (E10). The side-bet game end signal includes informationabout the number of coins to be paid out which has been calculated inE10. Then, this process once ends.

According to the above-described structure, a player may enjoy theside-bet game using rearrangement on the common display 201. Inaddition, a player playing on the terminal device 3A, 3B, or 3C whichhas made a side-bet is given a payout as a result of a side-bet game,which payout is affected by a game result of a player playing on aneighboring terminal device 3A, 3B, or 3C. Therefore, the player makinga side-bet can sometimes enjoy a side-bet game while feeling sometogetherness (unity) with players playing on neighboring terminaldevices 3A, 3B, 3C. In addition, a player can enjoy the side-bet gamewithout inserting a new game value, because a result of a game played inthe terminal device 3A, 3B, 3C having made a side-bet (a payoutresulting from achievement of a predetermined combination) is used for apayout of the side-bet game.

[Operation of Slot Machine: Effect Operation]

When the above-described various processes are executed in the slotmachine 1, results or contents corresponding to the processes are, inthe form of commands or data, input to respective actuators. Forexample, when an input operation of the side-bet button 90 is performedin each of the terminal devices 3A, 3B, and 3C, the main CPU 41 receivesan input signal from the side-bet switch 90S and controls the lamp 30 toblink the lamp 30. In addition, when an input operation of the side-betbutton 90 is performed, the main CPU 41 displays an effect image on theupper image display panel 33. Moreover, the main CPU 41 performs effectpresentation by an audio output from the speaker 29, together with orindependently of the effect made on the upper image display panel 33.

In the detailed description provided above, characteristic parts havemainly been described in order that the present invention can beunderstood more easily. However, the present invention is not limited tothe embodiment shown in the detailed description provided above, and maybe applied to other embodiments. The scope of application of the presentinvention should be construed as broadly as possible. Terms andphraseologies adopted in the present specification are for correctlyillustrating the present invention, not for limiting. It would be easyfor those skilled in the art to derive, from the spirit of the inventiondescribed in the present specification, other structures, systems,methods and the like which are included in the spirit of the invention.Accordingly, it should be considered that claims cover equivalentstructures, too, without departing from the technical idea of thepresent invention. An object of the abstract is to enable anintellectual property office, general public institutions, personsbelonging to the art but not familiar with patent, legal terms, ortechnical terms to quickly understand technical contents and essences ofthe present invention through a simple research. Therefore, the abstractis not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should beevaluated by the claims. In addition, it is desirable to sufficientlyrefer to already-disclosed documents and the like, in order to fullyunderstand the objects and effects of the present invention.

The detailed description provided above includes a process which isexecuted on a computer or a computer network. The descriptions andexpressions provided above are given for the purpose of allowing thoseskilled in the art to understand the invention most effectively. In thespecification, respective steps used to induce one result, or blockshaving a predetermined processing function should be understood as aprocess having no self-contradiction. In addition, in each step orblock, an electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received,recorded, and the like. In a process in each step or block, such asignal is embodied in the form of a bit, a value, a symbol, a character,a term, a number, and the like. However, it should be noted that theyhave been used simply because they are convenient for explanations. Aprocess in each step or block has sometimes been described using anexpression which is common to a human behavior. However, in principle,the process described in the specification is executed by a variety ofdevices. In addition, other structures necessary for each step or blockare apparent from the above description.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of gaming terminals capableof running a game independently from each other, each of which terminalsincludes (i)a terminal display having a matrix of arrangement areas and(ii)a payout awarding device for awarding a player a payout related tothe game, and each of which terminals arranges a plurality of symbols inthe arrangement areas; a shared display for arranging therein aplurality of symbols; and a center controller programmed to perform thesteps of: (a1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each ofthe gaming terminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;(a2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas; (a3) combining one symbolarrangement of one gaming terminal with another symbol arrangement ofanother gaming terminal, and rearranging, on the shared display, symbolsidentical to those in the one symbol arrangement and the other symbolarrangement, wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbolsarranged in arrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the othersymbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas ofthe other gaming terminal; (a4) determining whether to award a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay; (a5) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining adistribution of the payout for each of the gaming terminals, based on apredetermined condition; and (a6) causing the payout awarding device ofeach of the gaming terminals to award a payout based on the determineddistribution.
 2. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of gamingterminals capable of running a game independently from each other, eachof which terminals includes (i) a terminal display having a matrix ofarrangement areas and (ii) a payout awarding device for awarding aplayer a payout related to the game, and each of which terminalsarranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas; a shareddisplay for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and a controllerprogrammed to perform the steps of: (b1) rearranging symbols in thearrangement areas of each of the gaming terminals, based on running of agame in the gaming terminal; (b2) awarding a payout according to arelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (b3)combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with anothersymbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on theshared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangementand the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gamingterminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arrangedin arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal; (b4) determiningwhether to award a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display; (b5) when the payout is determined tobe awarded, determining a distribution of the payout for each of thegaming terminals, based on contribution rates of the combined symbolarrangements of the symbols; and (b6) causing the payout awarding deviceof each of the gaming terminals to award a payout based on thedetermined distribution.
 3. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality ofgaming terminals capable of running a game independently from eachother, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal display having amatrix of arrangement areas and (ii) a payout awarding device forawarding a player a payout related to the game, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas; ashared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and acontroller programmed to perform the steps of: (c1) rearranging symbolsin the arrangement areas of each of the gaming terminals, based onrunning of a game in the gaming terminal; (c2) awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas; (c3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal; (c4)determining whether to award a payout according to a relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display; (c5) when the payout isdetermined to be awarded, displaying an effect indicating that thepayout is awarded on the shared display; (c6) when the payout isdetermined to be awarded, determining a distribution of the payout foreach of the gaming terminals, based on at least two different amounts ofdistribution; and (c7) causing the payout awarding device of each of thegaming terminals to award a payout based on the determined distribution.4. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of gaming terminalsincluding (i) a terminal display having a matrix of arrangement areas,(ii) a payout awarding device for awarding a player a payout related tothe game, and (iii) a terminal controller, and each of which terminalsarranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas; a shareddisplay for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and a centercontroller, wherein the terminal controller performs the steps of: (d1)rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas at a predetermined timing;(d2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsarranged in the arrangement areas; (d3) when a predetermined conditionis met, transmitting to the center controller symbols arranged in thearrangement areas and the arrangement of the symbols; and (d4) causingthe payout awarding device to award a payout based on an instructionfrom the center controller, and wherein the center controller isprogrammed to perform the steps of: (e1) when a predetermined conditionis met, receiving from each of the terminal controllers symbols and thearrangement of the symbols, (e2) combining one symbol arrangement of onegaming terminal with another symbol arrangement of another gamingterminal, and rearranging, on the shared display, symbols identical tothose in the one symbol arrangement and the other symbol arrangement,wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the other symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theother gaming terminal; (e3) determining whether to award a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay; (e4) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining adistribution of the payout for each of the gaming terminals, based on apredetermined condition; and (e5) instructing the terminal controller ofeach of the gaming terminals to award a payout based on the determineddistribution.
 5. A playing method of a gaming machine, in which aplurality of symbols are arranged in a matrix of arrangement areas onterminal displays of a plurality of gaming terminals, the methodcomprising the steps of: (f1) rearranging symbols in the arrangementareas of each of the gaming terminals, based on running of a game in thegaming terminal; (f2) awarding a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (f3) combining onesymbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on a shareddisplay, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangement andthe other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gamingterminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arrangedin arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal; (f4) determiningwhether to award a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display; (f5) when the payout is determined tobe awarded, determining a distribution of the payout for each of thegaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition; and (f6) causingthe payout awarding device of each of the gaming terminals to award apayout based on the determined distribution.
 6. A gaming machinecomprising: a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a gameindependently from each other, each of which terminals includes (i) aterminal display having a matrix of arrangement areas and (ii) a payoutawarding device for awarding a player a payout related to the game, andeach of which terminals arranges a plurality of symbols in thearrangement areas; a shared display for arranging therein a plurality ofsymbols; a conveying device for supporting the shared display andtransferring the shared display to positions corresponding to therespective gaming terminals; and a center controller programmed toperform the steps of: (g1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areasof each of the gaming terminals, based on running of a game in thegaming terminal; (g2) awarding a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (g3) combining onesymbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on the shareddisplay, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangement andthe other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gamingterminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arrangedin arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal; (g4) determiningwhether to award a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display; (g5) when the payout is determined tobe awarded, causing the conveying device to transfer the shared displaybetween positions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals; (g6)when the payout is determined to be awarded, determining one of thegaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition; (g7) causing theconveying device to transfer the shared display to the positioncorresponding to the determined one gaming terminal; (g8) displaying aneffect indicating the determined one gaming terminal on the shareddisplay; and (g9) causing the payout awarding device of the determinedone gaming terminal to award the payout.
 7. A gaming machine comprising:a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyfrom each other, each of which terminals includes (i) a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas and (ii) a payout awarding devicefor awarding a player a payout related to the game, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas; ashared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and aconveying device for supporting the shared display and transferring theshared display to positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals; a position sensor for detecting that the shared display hasarrived at a position corresponding to a gaming terminal; and acontroller programmed to perform the steps of: (h1) rearranging symbolsin the arrangement areas of each of the gaming terminals, based onrunning of a game in the gaming terminal; (h2) awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas; (h3) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal; (h4)determining whether to award a payout according to a relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display; (h5) when the payout isdetermined to be awarded, causing the conveying device to transfer theshared display between positions corresponding to the respective gamingterminals; (h6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determiningone of the gaming terminals, based on a predetermined condition; (h7)causing the conveying device to transfer the shared display to theposition corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal; (h8) afterdetecting that the shared display has arrived at the positioncorresponding to the determined one gaming terminal, displaying aneffect indicating the determined one gaming terminal on the shareddisplay; and (h9) causing the payout awarding device of the determinedone gaming terminal to award the payout.
 8. The gaming machine accordingto claim 6, wherein the center controller is programmed to perform thestep of (i6) when the payout is determined to be awarded, determiningone of the gaming terminals, based on contribution rates of the combinedsymbol arrangements of the symbols, in place of (g6)
 9. The gamingmachine according to claim 7, wherein the center controller isprogrammed to perform the step of (j6) when the payout is determined tobe awarded, determining one of the gaming terminals, based oncontribution rates of the combined symbol arrangements of the symbols,in place of (h6).
 10. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of gamingterminals including (i) a terminal display having a matrix ofarrangement areas, (ii) a payout awarding device for awarding a player apayout related to the game, and (iii) a terminal controller, and each ofwhich terminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangementareas; a shared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols anddisplaying thereon an effect related to the game; a conveying device forsupporting the shared display and transferring the shared display topositions corresponding to the respective gaming terminals; and a centercontroller, wherein the terminal controller performs the steps of: (k1)rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas at a predetermined timing;(k2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsarranged in the arrangement areas; (k3) when a predetermined conditionis met, transmitting to the center controller symbols arranged in thearrangement areas and the arrangement of the symbols; and (k4) causingthe payout awarding device to award a payout based on an instructionfrom the center controller, and wherein the center controller isprogrammed to perform the steps of: (l1) when a predetermined conditionis met, receiving from each of the terminal controllers symbols and thearrangement of the symbols; (l2) combining one symbol arrangement of onegaming terminal with another symbol arrangement of another gamingterminal, and rearranging, on the shared display, symbols identical tothose in the one symbol arrangement and the other symbol arrangement,wherein the one symbol arrangement includes the symbols arranged inarrangement areas of the one gaming terminal, and the other symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theother gaming terminal; (l3) determining whether to award a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay; (l4) when the payout is determined to be awarded, causing theconveying device to transfer the shared display between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals; (l5) when the payoutis determined to be awarded, determining one of the gaming terminals,based on a predetermined condition; (l6) causing the conveying device totransfer the shared display to the position corresponding to thedetermined one gaming terminal; (l7) displaying an effect indicating thedetermined one gaming terminal on the shared display; and (l8)instructing the terminal controller of the determined one gamingterminal to award the payout.
 11. A playing method of a gaming machine,in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a matrix of arrangementareas on terminal displays of a plurality of gaming terminals, themethod comprising the steps of: (m1) rearranging symbols in thearrangement areas of each of the gaming terminals, based on running of agame in the gaming terminal; (m2) awarding a payout according to arelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (m3)combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with anothersymbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on ashared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangementand the other symbol arrangement, wherein the one symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gamingterminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arrangedin arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal; (m4) determiningwhether to award a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged on the shared display; (m5) when the payout is determined tobe awarded, transferring the shared display between positionscorresponding to the respective gaming terminals; (m6) when the payoutis determined to be awarded, determining one of the gaming terminals,based on a predetermined condition; (m7) transferring the shared displayto the position corresponding to the determined one gaming terminal;(m8) displaying an effect indicating the determined one gaming terminalon the shared display; and (m9) causing the determined one gamingterminal to award the payout.
 12. A gaming machine comprising: aplurality of gaming terminals capable of running a game independentlyfrom each other, each of which terminals includes a terminal displayhaving a matrix of arrangement areas and which arranges a plurality ofsymbols in the arrangement areas; a shared display for arranging thereina plurality of symbols; a center controller programmed to perform thesteps of: (n1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each ofthe gaming terminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;(n2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas; (n3) combining one arrangement ofsymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of one gaming terminal withanother arrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas ofanother gaming terminal to form one symbol matrix including the symbolsof the one arrangement and the other arrangement; (n4) scrolling thesymbols in the symbol matrix, on the shared display; (n5) rearranging apart of the symbols in the symbol matrix on the shared display; and (n6)awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbols rearrangedon the shared display.
 13. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality ofgaming terminals capable of running a game independently from eachother, each of which terminals includes a terminal display having amatrix of arrangement areas and which arranges a plurality of symbols inthe arrangement areas; a shared display for arranging therein aplurality of symbols; a center controller programmed to perform thesteps of: (o1) rearranging symbols in the arrangement areas of each ofthe gaming terminals, based on running of a game in the gaming terminal;(o2) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas; (o3) combining, on the row orcolumn basis, one arrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminal to formone symbol matrix having the one arrangement and the other arrangement;and (o4) scrolling the symbol matrix having the plurality of symbols onthe shared display; (o5) rearranging on the shared display some of thesymbols in the symbol matrix, without altering the arrangement of thesymbol matrix; (o6) awarding a payout according to a relation among thesymbols rearranged on the shared display.
 14. A gaming machinecomprising: a plurality of gaming terminals capable of running a gameindependently from each other, each of which terminals includes aterminal display having a matrix of arrangement areas and which arrangesa plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas; a shared display forarranging therein a plurality of symbols; a center controller programmedto perform the steps of: (p1) rearranging symbols in the arrangementareas of each of the gaming terminals, based on running of a game in thegaming terminal; (p2) awarding a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (p3) combining onearrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of one gamingterminal with another arrangement of symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas of another gaming terminal to form one symbol matrixincluding the symbols of the one arrangement and the other arrangement,the positions of the symbols in the other symbol arrangement beingdifferent from those of the symbols in the one symbol arrangement; and(p4) scrolling a row or column of the symbol matrix having the symbolson the shared display; (p5) rearranging on the shared display some ofthe symbols in the symbol matrix so as to conform with a row or columnof arrangements in the symbol matrix; and (p6) awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay.
 15. A gaming machine comprising: plurality of gaming terminalseach of which terminals includes a terminal display having a matrix ofarrangement areas and which arranges a plurality of symbols in thearrangement areas; a plurality of gaming terminals each having aterminal controller; a shared display for arranging therein a pluralityof symbols; and a center controller, wherein the terminal controller isprogrammed to perform the steps of: (q1) rearranging symbols in thearrangement areas at a predetermined timing, (q2) awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas, and (q3) when a predetermined condition is met, transmitting tothe center controller symbols arranged in the arrangement areas and thearrangement of the symbols; and wherein the center controller isprogrammed to perform the steps of: (r1) when a predetermined conditionis met, receiving from each of the terminal controllers symbols and thearrangement of the symbols, (r2) combining one arrangement of symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas of one gaming terminal with anotherarrangement of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of anothergaming terminal to form one symbol matrix including the symbols of theone arrangement and the other arrangement, (r3) scrolling the symbols inthe symbol matrix, on the shared display, (r4) rearranging a part of thesymbols in the symbol matrix on the shared display, and (r5) awarding apayout according to a relation among the symbols rearranged on theshared display.
 16. A playing method of the present invention is for agaming machine including a plurality of gaming terminals each having aterminal display, in which method a plurality of symbols are arranged ina matrix of arrangement areas in the terminal display of each of thegaming terminals, the method comprising the steps of: (s1) rearrangingsymbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gaming terminals, basedon running of a game in the gaming terminal; (s2) awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas; (s3) combining one arrangement of symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas of one gaming terminal with another arrangement ofsymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas of another gaming terminalto form one symbol matrix including the symbols of the one arrangementand the other arrangement; (s4) scrolling the symbols in the symbolmatrix, on the shared display; and (s5) awarding a payout according to arelation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display.
 17. Agaming machine comprising: a plurality of gaming terminals capable ofrunning a game independently of each other, each of which terminalsincludes (i) a terminal display having a matrix of arrangement areas,(ii) a bet unit which receives a side bet from a player, and (iii) apayout awarding device for awarding a player a payout related to thegame, and each of which terminals arranges a plurality of symbols in thearrangement areas; a shared display for arranging therein a plurality ofsymbols; and a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:(t1) causing the bet unit to receive the side bet; (t2) rearrangingsymbols in the arrangement areas of each of the gaming terminals, basedon running of a game in the gaming terminal; (t3) awarding a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas; (t4) combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal withanother symbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging,on the shared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbolarrangement and the other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbolarrangement includes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of theone gaming terminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes thesymbols arranged in arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and(ii) when combining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of aside-bet gaming terminal is given a priority over a symbol arrangementof a gaming terminal having received no side bet; and (t5) causing thepayout awarding device of the side-bet gaming terminal to award a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay.
 18. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of gamingterminals capable of running a game independently of each other, each ofwhich terminals includes (i) a terminal display having a matrix ofarrangement areas, (ii) a bet unit which receives a side bet from aplayer, (iii) a payout awarding device for awarding a player a payoutrelated to the game, and (iv) an illumination device which emits light,and each of which terminals arranges a plurality of symbols in thearrangement areas; a shared display for arranging therein a plurality ofsymbols; and a center controller programmed to perform the steps of:(u1) causing the bet unit to receive the side bet; (u2) differentiatingbetween how the illumination device lights when a side bet is receivedand when no side bet is received; (u3) rearranging symbols in thearrangement areas of each of the gaming terminals, based on running of agame in the gaming terminal; (u4) awarding a payout according to arelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (u5)combining one symbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with anothersymbol arrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on theshared display, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangementand the other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gamingterminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arrangedin arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and (ii) whencombining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of a side-bet gamingterminal is given a priority over a symbol arrangement of a gamingterminal having received no side bet; and (u6) causing the payoutawarding device of the side-bet gaming terminal to award a payoutaccording to a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shareddisplay.
 19. The gaming machine according to claim 18, wherein thecenter controller is programmed to perform the step of (v2) instead of(u2) (v2) causing the illumination device to light when a side bet isreceived, and causing the illumination device to turn off when no sidebet is received.
 20. The gaming machine according to claim 18, whereinthe illumination device is capable of lighting in at least two colors,and wherein the center controller is programmed to perform the step of(w2) instead of (u2): (w2) causing the illumination device to light indifferent colors when the side bet is received, from when no side bet isreceived.
 21. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of gamingterminals capable of running a game independently of each other, each ofwhich terminals includes (i) a terminal display having a matrix ofarrangement areas, (ii) a bet unit which receives a side bet from aplayer, (iii) a payout awarding device for awarding a player a payoutrelated to the game, and (iv) a terminal controller, and each of whichterminals arranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas; ashared display for arranging therein a plurality of symbols; and acenter controller, wherein the terminal controller performs the stepsof: (x1) causing the bet unit to receive the side bet; (x2) rearrangingthe symbols in the arrangement areas based on a predetermined timing;(x3) awarding a payout according to a relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas; (x4) when a predetermined conditionis met, transmitting to the center controller, information on thesymbols rearranged in the arrangement areas, and whether or not the sidebet is received; and (x5) causing the payout awarding device to award apayout based on an instruction from the center controller, and whereinthe center controller performs the steps of: (y1) when a predeterminedcondition is met, receiving from the terminal controller of each of thegaming terminals, the information on the symbols, an arrangement of thesymbols, and whether or not a side bet is received; (y2) combining onesymbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on the shareddisplay, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangement andthe other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gamingterminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arrangedin arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and (ii) whencombining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of a side-bet gamingterminal is given a priority over a symbol arrangement of a gamingterminal having received no side bet; and (y3) instructing the terminalcontroller of the side-bet gaming terminal to award a payout accordingto a relation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display.
 22. Aplaying method of a gaming machine in which gaming machine a pluralityof symbols are arranged in a matrix of arrangement areas on terminaldisplays of a plurality of gaming terminals, the method comprising thesteps of: (z1) causing a bet unit of each of a plurality of gamingterminals to receive a side bet; (z2) rearranging symbols in arrangementareas of each of the gaming terminals, based on running of a game in thegaming terminal; (z3) awarding a payout according to a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (z4) combining onesymbol arrangement of one gaming terminal with another symbolarrangement of another gaming terminal, and rearranging, on a shareddisplay, symbols identical to those in the one symbol arrangement andthe other symbol arrangement, wherein (i) the one symbol arrangementincludes the symbols arranged in arrangement areas of the one gamingterminal, and the other symbol arrangement includes the symbols arrangedin arrangement areas of the other gaming terminal, and (ii) whencombining symbol arrangements, a symbol arrangement of a side-bet gamingterminal is given a priority over a symbol arrangement of a gamingterminal having received no side bet; (z5) causing the payout awardingdevice of the side-bet gaming terminal to award a payout according to arelation among the symbols rearranged on the shared display.
 23. Agaming machine comprising: a common display which arranges a pluralityof symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas; a plurality of terminaldevices each having a terminal display which arranges a plurality ofsymbols in a matrix of arrangement areas and a side-bet device whichselects to or not to participate in a game played on the common display,the terminal device rearranging the plurality of symbols in thearrangement areas on the terminal display and running a game to award abase payout in accordance with a relation among the rearranged symbols;and a controller which is programmed to operate in the steps of: (A1)putting the side-bet device into a selectable state; (A2) rearrangingthe symbols in the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminaldevices; (A3) awarding a base payout in accordance with a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (A4) rearranging, onthe common display, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device; and (A5) awarding abonus payout in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbolsthus rearranged on the common display.
 24. The gaming machine accordingto claim 23, wherein, when awarding a bonus payout, the controllerawards a bonus payout in accordance with the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device.
 25. A gaming machine comprising: acommon display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each having aterminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a base payout in accordancewith a relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller which isprogrammed to operate in the steps of: (B1) putting the side-bet deviceinto a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (B2) rearrangingthe symbols in the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminaldevices; (B3) awarding a base payout in accordance with a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (B4) rearranging, onthe common display, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device; and (B5) awarding abonus payout in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbolsthus rearranged on the common display.
 26. The gaming machine accordingto claim 25, wherein, when awarding a bonus payout, the controllerawards a bonus payout in accordance with the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device.
 27. A gaming machine comprising: acommon display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each having aterminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a payout in accordance witha relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller which isprogrammed to operate in the steps of: (C1) putting the side-bet deviceinto a selectable state; (C2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices; (C3) awarding a base payoutin accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas; (C4) rearranging, on the common display,predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; (C5) rearranging the predeterminedsymbols thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas in the common display;and (C6) awarding a bonus payout in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged.
 28. The gaming machine accordingto claim 5, wherein, when awarding a bonus payout, the controller awardsa bonus payout in accordance with the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device.
 29. A gaming machine comprising: acommon display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each having aterminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a payout in accordance witha relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller which isprogrammed to operate in the steps of: (D1) putting the side-bet deviceinto a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (D2) rearrangingthe symbols in the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminaldevices; (D3) awarding a base payout in accordance with a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (D4) rearranging, onthe common display, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device; (D5) rearranging thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas in thecommon display; and (D6) awarding a bonus payout in accordance with thenumber of the predetermined symbols thus rearranged.
 30. The gamingmachine according to claim 7, wherein, when awarding a bonus payout, thecontroller awards a bonus payout in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.
 31. A playing methodof a gaming machine comprising: a common display which arranges aplurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas; and a pluralityof terminal devices each having a terminal display which arranges aplurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas and a side-betdevice which selects to or not to participate in a game played on thecommon display, the terminal device rearranging the plurality of symbolsin the arrangement areas on the terminal display and running a game toaward a base payout in accordance with a relation among the rearrangedsymbols, the method including the steps of: putting the side-bet deviceinto a selectable state; rearranging the symbols in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices; awarding a base payout inaccordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas; rearranging, on the common display, predeterminedones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal device selected by theside-bet device; and awarding a bonus payout in accordance with thenumber of the predetermined symbols thus rearranged on the commondisplay.
 32. A gaming machine comprising: a common display whicharranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas; aplurality of terminal devices each having a terminal display whicharranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas and aside-bet device which selects to or not to participate in a game playedon the common display, the terminal device rearranging the plurality ofsymbols in the arrangement areas on the terminal display and running agame to award a base payout in accordance with a relation among therearranged symbols; and a controller which is programmed to operate inthe steps of: (E1) putting the side-bet device into a selectable state;(E2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areas in the pluralityof terminal devices; (E3) awarding a base payout in accordance with arelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (E4)accumulatively storing a base payout which is awarded when there is apredetermined relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; (E5)rearranging, on the common display, predetermined ones of the symbolsrearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; and(E6) in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbolsrearranged on the common display, awarding all or a part of theaccumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal device selected bythe side-bet device.
 33. The gaming machine according to claim 32,wherein, the controller awards all or a part of theaccumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal device selected bythe side-bet device, in accordance with the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device.
 34. A gaming machine comprising: acommon display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each having aterminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a base payout in accordancewith a relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller which isprogrammed to operate in the steps of: (F1) putting the side-bet deviceinto a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (F2) rearrangingthe symbols in the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminaldevices; (F3) awarding a base payout in accordance with a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (F4) accumulativelystoring a base payout which is awarded when there is a predeterminedrelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device; (F5) rearranging, onthe common display, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device; and (F6) in accordancewith the number of the predetermined symbols rearranged on the commondisplay, awarding all or a part of the accumulatively-stored basepayouts to the terminal device selected by the side-bet device.
 35. Thegaming machine according to claim 35, wherein, the controller awards allor a part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminaldevice selected by the side-bet device, in accordance with the number ofterminal devices selected by the side-bet device.
 36. A gaming machinecomprising: a common display which arranges a plurality of symbols in amatrix of arrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each havinga terminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a payout in accordance witha relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller which isprogrammed to operate in the steps of: (G1) putting the side-bet deviceinto a selectable state; (G2) rearranging the symbols in the arrangementareas in the plurality of terminal devices; (G3) awarding a base payoutin accordance with a relation among the symbols rearranged in thearrangement areas; (G4) accumulatively storing a base payout which isawarded when there is a predetermined relation among the symbolsrearranged in the arrangement areas in the terminal device selected bythe side-bet device; (G5) rearranging, on the common display,predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device; (G6) rearranging the predeterminedsymbols thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas on the common display;and (G7) in accordance with the number of the predetermined symbolsrearranged on the common display, awarding all or a part of theaccumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal device selected bythe side-bet device.
 37. The gaming machine according to claim 36,wherein, the controller awards all or a part of theaccumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal device selected bythe side-bet device, in accordance with the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device.
 38. A gaming machine comprising: acommon display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas; a plurality of terminal devices each having aterminal display which arranges a plurality of symbols in a matrix ofarrangement areas and a side-bet device which selects to or not toparticipate in a game played on the common display, the terminal devicerearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement areas on theterminal display and running a game to award a payout in accordance witha relation among the rearranged symbols; and a controller which isprogrammed to operate in the steps of: (H1) putting the side-bet deviceinto a selectable state until the symbols are rearranged in thearrangement areas in the plurality of terminal devices; (H2) rearrangingthe symbols in the arrangement areas in the plurality of terminaldevices; (H3) awarding a base payout in accordance with a relation amongthe symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas; (H4) accumulativelystoring a base payout which is awarded when there is a predeterminedrelation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device; (H5) rearranging, onthe common display, predetermined ones of the symbols rearranged in theterminal device selected by the side-bet device; (H6) rearranging thepredetermined symbols thus rearranged, in the arrangement areas on thecommon display; and (H7) in accordance with the number of thepredetermined symbols rearranged on the common display, awarding all ora part of the accumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal deviceselected by the side-bet device.
 39. The gaming machine according toclaim 38, wherein, the controller awards all or a part of theaccumulatively-stored base payouts to the terminal device selected bythe side-bet device, in accordance with the number of terminal devicesselected by the side-bet device.
 40. A playing method of a gamingmachine comprising: a common display which arranges a plurality ofsymbols in a matrix of arrangement areas; and a plurality of terminaldevices each having a terminal display which arranges a plurality ofsymbols in a matrix of arrangement areas and a side-bet device whichselects to or not to participate in a game played on the common display,the terminal device rearranging the plurality of symbols in thearrangement areas on the terminal display and running a game to award abase payout in accordance with a relation among the rearranged symbols,the method including the steps of: putting the side-bet device into aselectable state; rearranging the symbols in the arrangement areas inthe plurality of terminal devices; awarding a base payout in accordancewith a relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas;accumulatively storing a base payout which is awarded when there is apredetermined relation among the symbols rearranged in the arrangementareas in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device;rearranging, on the common display, predetermined ones of the symbolsrearranged in the terminal device selected by the side-bet device; andin accordance with the number of the predetermined symbols rearranged onthe common display, awarding all or a part of the accumulatively-storedbase payouts to the terminal device selected by the side-bet device.